The Essex 73s survived a determined comeback attempt by the Mooretown Flags on the way to a 5-4 win.

Essex made the score 5-3 on a goal by Daniel Slipchuck at 12:37 in the third period, and Mooretown got as close as 5-4 when Sam Jasmin scored 13:04 into the third period.

In a losing effort, the Flags were led by Jasmin, who racked up two goals. Jasmin scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 10:56 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Mooretown. A abuse of officials penalty on Alex Garon had put Mooretown on the power play. Dan Lumley picked up the assist. Jasmin's next tally on the power play made the score Essex with 6:56 left in the third period.

The 73s forced Flags' goalies to work without much rest, finishing with 46 shots and forcing 41 saves. Steven Taylor made 25 stops and Brandon Johnson made 16. Essex was effective with a man advantage, and put in three goals while on the power play. The 73s could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 34 minutes in penalties during the game.

Essex also got points from Corey Beaulieu, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Tyler Raymont, who also registered one goal and two assists to lead the team in points, Garon, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, and Jordan Ryan, who also had one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Scott Bromley, who had two and Tyler Scott and Daniel McIntyre, who each chipped in one.

The Flags could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

Mooretown additionally got points from Ryan Lyle, who also finished with one goal and one assist. David Addley also scored for Mooretown. In addition, Mooretown received assists from Jordan McBeath, Sam McCormack, Spencer Bronzi, and Austin Ainsworth, who contributed one a piece.

Jacob Kment rejected 16 shots on goal for Essex. Mooretown registered three goals on seven power play opportunities.