The Essex 73s had a three-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 7-1 win over the Belle River Canadiens.

Essex pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 22 penalty minutes.

The 73s were led by Matthew Hebert, who had one goal. Hebert scored short handed 6:24 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Essex found itself down a man on Dylan Solecki's roughing.

The 73s stifled Belle River's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Essex kept the Canadiens' goalie busy throughout the game, and Mitch Topliffe made 24 saves on 31 shots.

Essex also had goals scored by Corey Beaulieu, who had two and Philip Janikowski, Scott Bromley, Colin DeLaet, and Daniel McIntyre, who each put in one. In addition, Essex received assists from Alex Garon, who had two and Eric Shaw, Tyler Scott, Daniel Slipchuck, Dan Mainella, and Chad Hedrick, who contributed one a piece.

Belle River was held below its usual level of production. The Canadiens put an average of 4.1 pucks into the net per game. Belle River could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 30 minutes in penalties during the game.

The Canadiens were led by Sebastian Kanally, who scored the team's only goal. Kanally scored 12:10 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Essex. Mike Ditty provided the assist.

The 73s' Darien Ekblad stopped 22 shots out of the 23 that he faced. Essex registered three goals on nine power play opportunities. Belle River registered zero goals on eight power play opportunities.