Vancoillie, 73's shutout Sharks

The Essex 73's defeated the Wheatley Sharks Friday night in Essex, 3-0, and extended their win streak to 18 games. They remain in first place overall in the Provincial Junior Hockey League.

Veteran Jake Vancoillie recorded his third shutout of the season, turning aside 18 shots he faced. The shutout was the second consecutive shutout for the 73's, who lead the league with 7 shutouts already, and we haven't reached the halfway point of the season yet.

It was also Vancoillie's league-leading 11th win.

Travis Rivest scorded for the 73's in the opening frame, and second period goals from Josh Lepain and John Fountaine were all the 73's needed to clinch their 18th win of the season.

Essex' biggest test came in the second period with the score still 2-0 when Nash Giles was whistled for a six-minute penalty. The 73's defended well and killed off the penalty, potentially frustrating the Sharks at that point.

This was the 5th annual Frank Matthys Alumni Night and the alumni were out in full support - including Dave Prpich, Jeff Ternovan, Pat Kirwin, Bernie Fuerth, Gord Davison, Steve Merritt, Darin Rickeard, Jeff Brett, Lee Jones, Brian Pluimers, Kevin Boggs, Jordan Brohman, Luke Sherk, Corey Beaulieu, Tanner Gallant, Jason McCrone, Roger Gaiarin - just to mention a few, enjoyed a great game.