Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Essex 73s defeated the Dresden Kings in a shootout 4-3 (1-0 SO).

Essex came back from a one-goal deficit to capture the victory. The 73s fell behind 3-2 after a power play goal by Dresden's Macks Holmes at 16:00 in the second period. Essex knotted things up at 3-3 on a goal by Corey Beaulieu at 19:54 in the third period.

Beaulieu had a great game for the 73s, netting two goals.

Essex's offense rang up 35 shots on the Kings' net.

Essex also got points from Brett Clarke, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Matthew Rosati, Eric Shaw, Dylan Solecki, and Daniel Slipchuck, who each chipped in one.

Dresden kept the 73s' goalie busy throughout the game, and Jacob Kment made 30 saves on 33 shots.

Dede Cato also scored for Dresden. More assists for Dresden came via Jay Piett, Taylor Sisson, Jeremy Griffore, Derek Daly, and Mike Myers, who contributed one a piece.

Essex incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Brent Paxton rejected 31 shots on goal for the Kings. Dresden incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. The Kings ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Kevin Ritzer was ejected from the game.