The Essex 73s and the Blenheim Blades were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Essex made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

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

Corey Beaulieu and Daniel Slipchuck provided the spark for the 73s, combining for three goals and three assists. Beaulieu registered two goals and one assist and Slipchuck also notched one goal and two assists.

Essex made Blades' goaltenders to work without much rest, launching 40 shots and forcing 35 saves. Dylan Vanderpol made 16 stops and Eric Stewardson made 19. The 73s put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Blenheim to score on any of its four power plays.

Essex additionally got points from Slipchuck, who also grabbed one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Essex also got a goal from Zoran Popel as well. In addition, Essex received assists from Alex Garon, who had three and Dallas Pereira, Matthew Hebert, and Dylan Solecki, who contributed one a piece.

The Blades forced Essex goalie Jacob Kment to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.

Blenheim was led by Austin Bently, who finished with two goals and one assist. Bently scored the first of his two goals at 17:50 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Brayden Seliga provided the assist. Bently's next tally made the score 2-1 Blenheim with 19:36 left in the second period. James Shelton assisted on the tally. Cam Aitken also scored for Blenheim.

Kment recorded 32 saves for the 73s. Essex incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. The Blades incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.