In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Essex 73s escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Belle River Canadiens.

Essex gained the winning advantage on a goal by Tyler Scott 3:27 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Jordan Ryan was all over the ice for the 73s, as he racked up two goals in the win. Ryan found the back of the net 12:35 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Essex and again while 19:40 into the third to make the score 4-2 Essex.

Essex's penalty kill excelled, as the 73s gave up zero goals despite allowing eight power plays.

Essex stifled Belle River's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The 73s forced the Canadiens goalie Adam Leboeuf to work between the pipes, taking 44 shots.

Dylan Solecki also scored for Essex. More assists for Essex came via Dallas Pereira, Eric Shaw, Matthew Hebert, and Philip Janikowski, who contributed one a piece.

Belle River's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Essex power plays. The Canadiens were held below their usual level of production. Belle River puts an average of 4.3 pucks into the net per game.

The Canadiens were helped by Brenden Crundwell, who tallied one goal. Crundwell scored 16:54 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Essex. Belle River also got a goal from Branden Larocque as well. Other players who recorded assists for Belle River were Matthew Couloufis, who had one.

Arren Romeril recorded 26 saves for Essex. The 73s incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Adam Leboeuf made 40 saves for Belle River on 44 shots. The Canadiens incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.