Essex makes it 10-straight wins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESSEX - Jack Lewis scored a pair of goals, and assisted on another, to lead the Essex 73's to a convincing 6-1 win over the traveling Wheatley Sharks Tuesday night.

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The win was the 10th in a row for Essex who last lost to the Blenheim Blades in overtime back on October 19th.

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It's been quite the streak for the 73's who have scored 62 goals over that timeframe, an average of over six goals scored per game. They have only allowed 19 goals for an average of 1.90.

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Jaxen Fortier-Smith, Cael McCabe, Travis Rivest and Ethan O'Neil had the other Essex goals, while Kyle Bleau replied late in the game for the Sharks, spoliing rookie AP, Michael Sampson's, bid for a shutout in his first junior start.

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Essex out shot Wheatley, 33-16. Goaltender Ethan Davis kept this game closer than it really was. He was brilliant throughout the night.

Essex wins in wild fashion over Dresden, 8-5

DRESDEN - Essex made it nine in a row Friday night with an 8-5 win over the Dresden Kings at the Lambton-Kent Memorial Centre.

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With the win the 73's now hold a six-point lead over Blenheim and Lakeshore in the Stobbs Division with each team holding a game in hand over the 73's.

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Essex (17-3-1-0) got two goals from Andrew Baker, and solo goals off the sticks of Joey Gaudet, Cael McCabe, Carter Dembinski, Marcus Lesvesque, Connor Hunt and Jack Lewis.

 

Dresden got a pair of goals from Colton Graham to go along with singles by Evan Reeve, Kurtis Smith and Dustin Sweeney.

 

With the loss, Dresden falls to 8-10-3-0 on the season. 

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Essex led 2-1 after one period, and the game was tied, 3-3, heading into the third period.

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Dresden took the lead just :19 seconds into the third period but the 73's responded with three of their own to go out front, 6-4.

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With a little under five minutes in the game, Dresden would make it a one-goal game and again, Eseex responded with two more of their own en route to the 8-5 win.

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Essex out shot Dresden on the night, 51-25.

Mathieson the overtime hero for Essex over Blenheim

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ESSEX - Noah Mathieson scored on the power play in overtime to give the Essex 73's a 2-1 win over the Blenheim Blades Tuesday night in Essex in Provincial Junior Hockey League action.

 

The win puts a four-point cushion between the 73's (16-3-1-0) and the Blades (14-5-1-0). 

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After out-shooting the Blades 12-4 in the opening period, Essex got on the board first on a goal by Jaxen Fortier-Smith at just 54 seconds into the second period.

 

The score remained 1-0 Essex until early in the third period, when Gavin Meriano out-skated an icing call and surprised 73's goalie, Birk Cassels, on a shot to tie the game.

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Both teams had some chances the rest of the game but in overtime, it was all Essex, especially when Blades captain, Brad McAlpine, was whistled for a tripping call at 2:03 of the extra frame.

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Mathieson and the 73's power play went to work, four-on-three, and 38 seconds into the power play, Mathieson converted on a second effort to seal the win for Essex.

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Overall, Esses out shot Blenheim, 32-19.

Leading Scorer award named in honour of Don Chittle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier this year, the Essex 73’s lost one of its most popular players of all-time, Don Chittle. Donny grew up on a farm in Maidstone, Ontario along with brothers Bob, Paul and Jim. He played minor hockey in Essex and played for the Essex 73’s in the mid 1970’s – considered by many to be the Golden years of the Essex 73’s. He was a loving husband and best friend to Kim, sharing 32 beautiful years of marriage. A devoted and cherished father to Amy, and a proud “grandpa” to his beloved fur grand-dog, Caesar.

 

Known for his boundless energy and warm heart, Don was truly the life of the party. His selflessness, kindness, and ability to uplift those around him made him a treasured friend to many. He had an incredible gift for making people laugh and feel welcomed, leaving a lasting impression wherever he went.

 

On the ice, Don was the most prolific goal scorer in 73’s history. His 136 goals in just 3 years playing for the 73’s still stands as the 73’s record for most career goals. In 1977-78, Donnie set a then league record for goals and points in a season, scoring 62 goals and 130 points. He ranks third on the 73’s all-time career points list. Donnie ws inducted to the Essex 73’s Wall of Honour in its inaugural year, 2022.

 

For all the reasons above, and more, the Essex 73’s organization have acknowledged Don’s achievements as a player, and have renamed the 73’s Leading Scorer trophy in honour of him. From this day forward, the leading scorer trophy will be called the Don Chittle Memorial Trophy.