The Essex 73's are off to a strong start in their quest to defend their Schmalz Cup title, winning 5-2 in Game 1 of their series with the Dorchester Dolphins.
Matthew Hebert opened the scoring for the 73's on home ice at the Essex Centre Sports Complex with Patrick Freel responding for the Dolphins in the first period. The 73's were outshot 13-8 in the opening frame, but would up their game in the following two periods.
The 73's would score just one goal in the second period through Griffin McCarty on the powerplay, despite out shooting the Dolphins 17-7.
The goals would come in the third period with the 73's peppering the Dolphins net, out shooting the Dorchester team 22-9. Hebert picked up his second of the game, while Brett Vorshuk and Tyler Scott would score as well.
Freel would score his second of the game for the Dolphins at 8:43 in the third period, but a comeback wasn't in the cards for the Dolphins.
Game 2 sees the series move to Dorchester on Friday. Puck-drop is set for 7:30pm.
