A loss would have been devastating. But a tie was still frustrating for the Wilmington boys hockey team.

The Wildcats took a 2-1 advantage on Saturday against visiting Melrose, but the locals eventually settled for a 2-2 tie that left the majority of players visibly upset as they left the ice after the final horn.

During the tilt, Luke Foley gave Wilmington a 1-0 first period lead on a pass from Brendan McDonough. That lead lasted into the second frame, but that's when Melrose knotted things up with a power play goal.

Dalton Rolli tipped home a goal with 25 seconds left before the second intermission, but that lead was erased 12:20 left in the game.

While the loss to a 3-10-5 opponent was frustrating, it didn't completely derail the team's position as it battled for a Middlesex League Small School Division regular season title.

Wilmington is 5-1-2 in league play, 10-3-4 overall, sitting just ahead of Wakefield, 4-1-3, and Burlington, 3-1-4. After the conclusion of Wilmington's game, Wakefield and Burlington skated to a 3-3 tie, helping the Wildcats.

"A loss would have really hurt us. A tie, it helps, but a win would have put a lot of pressure on the other two teams," said Scanlon. "(A league title) is always a goal. Next to qualifying for the postseason, you always want to win your league title, especially in our first year. I know there were a lot of doubters when we moved into this league."

Scanlon's charges have a tough road ahead. They close out the season against Wakefield and Burlington before battling rival Tewksbury to close out the campaign.