The Blenheim Blades failed to take advantage of their power play opportunities and the Essex 73s shook off a number of penalties to win, 5-1.

Essex was sparked by Aaron Thibert, who registered one goal. Thibert scored on the power play 19:33 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. An interference penalty on Shawn Hope had put the 73s on the power play. Alex Garon provided the assist.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 3:00 into the first period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Essex forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up eight minors and two majors for 46 minutes in penalty time. The 73s surpassed its season average of 21.0 penalty minutes per game. Essex put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Blenheim to score on any of its six power plays. The 73s kept the Blades' goalie busy throughout the game, and Dylan Vanderpol made 30 saves on 35 shots. The defensemen of Essex were also effective in Blenheim's zone, and came away with two goals.

Essex also got a goal from Blaise Baillargeon as well. In addition, Essex received assists from Kevin Boggs, Corey Beaulieu, Tyler Raymont, Jordan Ryan, Curtis Prymack, Scott Bromley, and Chad Hedrick, who each chipped in one.

The Blades racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 12 minors and one major for 59 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 33.0 minutes per game Blenheim had been spending in the box. The Blades did not reach the goal total they have come to expect this season. Blenheim averages 3.1 goals per game. The Blades gave up more goals than its normal season average. Blenheim gives up 1.9 goal per game.

The Blades were led by Aaron Pastorius, who scored the team's only goal. Pastorius scored 18:46 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Essex.

Trevor Wheaton made 16 saves for the 73s on 17 shots. Essex registered two goals on 12 power play opportunities. For the 73s, Colin DeLaet was ejected from the game. Blenheim ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Jarrod Oliphant was ejected from the game.