The Kingsville Comets tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Essex 73s held on for a 3-1 victory.

Essex made the score 3-0 on a goal by Corey Beaulieu at 14:24 in the first period, and Kingsville got as close as 3-1 when Justin Parker scored 11:47 into the third period.

Beaulieu was all over the ice for the 73s, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Beaulieu scored the first of his two goals at 10:40 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Jordan Brohman picked up the assist. Beaulieu's next tally made the score Essex with 5:36 left in the first period. A head contact penalty on Robert Jardine had put Essex on the power play. Curtis Prymack assisted on the tally.

The 73s put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Comets to score on any of their seven power plays. Essex forced Kingsville goalie Kyle Andrian to work between the pipes, taking 41 shots.

Essex additionally got points from Brohman, who also had one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Alex Garon, who had two.

The Comets' offense rang up 32 shots on the 73s' net.

More assists for Kingsville came via Brett Benson, who had one.

Trevor Wheaton rejected 31 shots on goal for Essex. The 73s incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Kyle Andrian made 38 saves for Kingsville on 41 shots. The Comets incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Kingsville ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Dean Shepley was ejected from the game.