Corey Beaulieu netted a hat trick to lead the Essex 73s over the Belle River Canadiens, 4-1.

Beaulieu got on the scoresheet 5:17 into the second period. He then added goals at 9:58 into the second and at 11:38 into the third.

The win by Essex clinched the best of seven series at 4-2.

The 73s stifled Belle River's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Dylan Solecki also scored for Essex. More assists for Essex came via Daniel Slipchuk, who had two and Brett Clarke, Matthew Hebert, and Colin DeLaet, who each chipped in one.

The Canadiens did not challenge the opposing netminder, only getting 10 shots on net to force nine saves.

Belle River was led by Kody Gagnon, who scored the team's only goal. Gagnon scored 2:52 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Belle River. Branden Larocque picked up the assist.

Darien Ekblad recorded nine saves for Essex. The 73s incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Mitch Topliffe made 23 saves for the Canadiens on 27 shots. Belle River incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.