The Wallaceburg Lakers gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Essex 73s.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Ryan Gruszka's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

Evan Weidenback was all over the ice for Wallaceburg, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Weidenback scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 11:28 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Wallaceburg. The Lakers had gained a power play chance when Arren Romeril was whistled for delay of game. Connor Johnston provided the assist. Weidenback's next tally on the power play made the score 4-2 Wallaceburg with 13:57 left in the third period. Mike Kindarachok picked up the assist.

Wallaceburg put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Essex to score on any of its five power plays. The Lakers kept the 73s' goalie busy throughout the game, and Romeril made 32 saves on 37 shots. Wallaceburg found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. This season, the Lakers average 2.4 goals per contest.

Wallaceburg also got points from Gruszka, who also tallied one goal and two assists and Justin Whitson, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Wallaceburg also got a goal from Scott Lubbers as well. Other players who recorded assists for Wallaceburg were DJ Sapone, who had one.

Essex could not produce up to it normal offensive output. The 73s put an average of 5.9 pucks into the net per game. Wallaceburg was unable to stop Essex from sending pucks towards the net, and the 73s eventually piled up 65 shots on goal. Essex's normally stingy defense allowed more goals than usual. The 73s are averaging 2.5 goals against for the season.

Essex was helped by Dylan Solecki, who registered one goal. Solecki scored 51 seconds into the third period to make the score 3-2 Wallaceburg. Jordan Ryan assisted on the tally. Essex additionally got points from Scott Bromley, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Matthew Hebert also scored for Essex. More assists for Essex came via Alex Garon, Tyler Scott, and Aaron Thibert, who contributed one a piece.

Joel Sowinski made 62 saves for the Lakers on 65 shots. Wallaceburg totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 2-for-6 on the power play. The Lakers ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Mike Brown was ejected from the game. The 73s ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major. For Essex, Colin DeLaet was ejected from the game.