Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Belle River Canadiens defeated the Essex 73s in a shootout 2-1 (1-0 SO).

Belle River's Zakk Olvin was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 36 saves and let only one puck past him. Olvin certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.53 entering the contest.

The Canadiens were led by Branden Larocque, who tallied one goal. Larocque scored 12:45 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Belle River. Chris DiNatale picked up the assist.

Essex was held below its usual level of production. The 73s put an average of 5.2 pucks into the net per game. Essex's offense rang up 37 shots on Belle River's net.

The 73s were led by Corey Beaulieu, who scored the team's only goal. Beaulieu scored on the power play 13:52 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Essex had gained a power play chance when Jordan Taylor was whistled for roughing. Kevin Boggs provided the assist.

The Canadiens incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The 73s' Trevor Wheaton stopped 21 shots out of the 22 that he faced. Essex incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.