The game between the Essex 73s and the Mooretown Flags was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Essex emerged with a 3-2 win.

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Eric Shaw at 5:36 of the second period.

The 73s were led by Shaw, who tallied one goal and one assist.

Essex excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The 73s kept Mooretown's goalie busy throughout the game, and Brandon Johnson made 29 saves on 32 shots.

Essex also had goals scored by Nick Mainella and Daniel McIntyre, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Michael Popel, Jordan Ryan, Tyler Turner, and Dallas Pereira, who each chipped in one.

The Flags' penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as Mooretown finished with 24 penalty minutes.

The Flags were helped by Dan Lumley, who finished with one goal. Lumley scored 1:08 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Mooretown. Sam Jasmin assisted on the tally. Brett Thompson also scored for Mooretown. In addition, Mooretown received assists from Justin Vanbuskirk, who had one.

Essex's Colin Lauzon stopped 17 shots out of the 19 that he faced. The 73s incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.