2intheBox 5, Squirrels 3

Facing 2intheBox for the first time in three and a half years, the Squirrels put up a fight but came a couple of plays short in a 5-3 loss on Wednesday.

Only 13 seconds into the game, an errant play by the Squirrels led to a quick goal for 2intheBox. Despite many chances, the Squirrels couldn’t find the net in the first period, and found themselves down, 2-0.

Mario Constantinou finally broke through for the Squirrels early in the second period, but shortly after, the Squirrels went down, 3-1. Then Nate Groves, who assisted on Constantinou’s goal, sniped in a shot from the right side to pull the Squirrels within one. But 2intheBox answered, going up 4-2 going into the third period.

The Squirrels had a second power play in the third, but couldn’t break through, and missed on a slam-dunk shot that had both teams gaping with amazement on the 2intheBox goaltender. Marcus Currie of 2intheBox, who is normally a ref, scored his second of the game midway through the final frame. Tony Richelsen pulled the Squirrels within two, and they pulled their goaltender in the final minute but couldn’t get any closer.