The Blenheim Blades had trouble finding ways to stop the Essex 73s, which beat Blades, 6-1.

Essex's Darien Ekblad was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 33 saves and let only one puck past him. Ekblad managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 1.79 prior to the game.

The 73s were led by Michel Popel, who registered one goal. Popel scored 5:56 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Matthew Rosati provided the assist.

Essex forced Blenheim's goalies to work between the pipes, launching 45 shots and forcing 39 saves. Eric Stewardson made 11 stops and Adam Lebouef made 28.

Essex additionally got points from Corey Beaulieu, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Alex Garon, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, and Matthew Hebert, who also finished with two goals and one assist to lead the team in points. Conor Marontate also scored for Essex. In addition, Essex received assists from Daniel Slipchuck and Daniel McIntyre, who each chipped in one and Jordan Ryan, Philip Janikowski, and Dylan Solecki, who contributed two a piece.

The Blades' offense operated below they season average. Blenheim averages 3.9 goals per game. The Blades forced the 73s goalie Ekblad to work between the pipes, taking 34 shots.

Blenheim was led by Dylan Muzzatti, who scored the team's only goal. Muzzatti scored on the power play 3:00 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Essex. A delay of game penalty on Ekblad had put the Blades on the power play. Drew Marlatt assisted on the tally.

Essex incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Blenheim incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.