73’s win streak stretched to five in a row

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s hockey team is quickly winding into mid season form. 

This week, Essex had a home-and-home series against the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks. The 73’s already had three wins in a row and hoped to exit the week with five.

  The series began Tuesday as Essex hosted its annual “Pink at the Rink” night. The 73’s wore pink jerseys, which were sold to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. 

  The two teams skated to a scoreless 20-minutes before the deadlock was broken halfway through the game. Preston Corp beat Thunderhawks’ goalie, Braiden Shaw, with the man-advantage to give Essex a 1-0 lead. And, just over 6-minutes later, Tyler Beneteau skated end-to-end and blazed by the Wallaceburg defence before tucking the puck around Shaw’s pads to double Essex’s lead. Shots after 40 minutes were 28-8. 

  In the final frame, the Thunderhawks scored with the man-advantage to draw within one. But, they were unable to beat 73’s goalie, Connor Meyerink, again.

  Essex prevailed 2-1, outshooting the Thunderhawks 40-16.

  On Saturday, the 73’s travelled to Wallaceburg, to conclude the home-and-home series.

  The Thunderhawks took an early first period lead as Zander Wright beat 73’s goalie, Jax D’Hondt, with the man-advantage. And after 20-minutes, Essex trailed 1-0, despite outshooting Wallaceburg 13-7.

  In the middle frame, however, it was Essex that capitalized. With two power-plays in the period, Essex scored twice with the man-advantage. Essex then added two more goals in the frame, on nine shots. The scoreboard read 4-2 after 40 minutes.

  In the third period, Essex continued to use skating and deep lineup to wear down the Thunderhawks. Essex added three more goals, including a pair from Tyler Beneteau, for a 7-2 victory. Shots in the game were 36-25 for the visiting 73’s.