The Essex 73's open Game 1 of their Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League semi-final playoff series with a 2-1 win over the Mooretown Flags.
The 73's outshot the Flags 37 to 19 including 15 shots on Mooretown netminder Brandon Johnson. The Flags had just four shots in the frame.
It was in the second period that Tyler Scott scored the game's first goal. Matthew Hebert scored the eventual game-winner in the third period with Nolan Riley scoring on the powerplay to give the Flags a shot at a comeback.
Elsewhere in GLJCHL playoff action, the Blenheim Blades topped the Amherstburg Admirals in overtime 4-3 in Game 1 of their semi-final playoff series.
Nick Delyzer scored the overtime winner with goaltender Eric Stewardson picking up an assist. He made 23 saves in getting the win.
Essex and Blenheim each lead their respective series 1-0.
