The Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League playoffs began with a statement game from the Essex 73's beating the Alvinston Flyers 9-0 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven first round series.
Nine players had multi-point games for the 73's including a four-point effort from Tyler Scott and two goals from Phil Janikowski.
Trevor Wheaton made 25 saves for the shutout.
Elsewhere in Jr. C playoff action, the Blenheim Blades shutout the Dresden Kings 2-0 in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first round series.
Nick Delyzer opened the scoring for the Blades in the first period and Brayden Hopkins followed with a second goal for the Blades in the second period.
Klinton Kenney made 20 saves for the shutout while Travis Moore made 34 saves in a losing effort.