Trevor Wheaton had a standout game with 25 saves, and the Essex 73s beat the Belle River Canadiens 5-1.

Alex Garon had a great game for Essex, netting two goals. Garon scored short handed at 9:57 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Essex and again while 17:42 into the third to make the score 4-1 Essex.

The 73s' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Belle River power plays. Belle River was unable to stop Essex from sending pucks towards the net, and the 73s eventually piled up 40 shots on goal.

Essex also got points from Marco Canzoneri, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Jordan Ryan, who also had one goal and one assist, and Daniel McIntyre, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Corey Beaulieu and Aaron Thibert, who contributed one a piece.

The Canadiens did not reach the goal total they have come to expect this season. Belle River puts an average of 4.6 pucks into the net per game. The Canadiens struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 26 penalty minutes for eight opposing power plays.

Belle River was led by Donnovan Plummer, who scored the team's only goal. Plummer scored 7:21 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Derek Haskell provided the assist.

Essex incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Canadiens' Zakk Olvin stopped 35 shots out of the 40 that he faced.