The Wheatley Sharks gutted out a close 7-5 win against the Essex 73s.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Jon Woelk's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Woelk had a great game for Wheatley, netting two goals.

The Sharks kept Essex's goalie busy throughout the game, and Trevor Wheaton made 24 saves on 31 shots. Wheatley bested its season scoring average. The Sharks have scored at the pace of 3.7 goals per game during the current campaign. Team could not crack the 73s' penalty kill and was held to one power play goal while having nine opportunities to play with the man advantage.

Wheatley also got points from Brett Babkirk, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, Kyle Quick, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points, and Dylan Impens, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Wheatley also got a goal from Riley Babkirk as well. Other players who recorded assists for Wheatley were Kurtis Ouellette, Brian Johnson, Austin Fontaine, and Sebastian Kanally, who contributed one a piece.

Essex's defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. The 73s give up 2.4 goals per game.

Essex was led by Marco Canzoneri, who registered two goals. Canzoneri scored the first of his two goals at 15:25 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Kevin Boggs picked up the assist. Canzoneri's next tally made the score 4-4 with 14:11 left in the third period. Daniel McIntyre provided the assist. Essex additionally got points from Corey Beaulieu, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Jordan Brohman, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Colin Moore also scored for Essex. In addition, Essex received assists from Alex Garon, Daniel Slipchuck, and Aaron Thibert, who each chipped in one.

Marc Tremblay rejected 20 shots on goal for Wheatley. The Sharks incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The 73s incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.