The Essex 73’s beat the Wingham Ironmen 5-0 to go up 2-0 in the best of seven Schmalz Cup semi-final.

But it wasn’t an easy start in the first period as Wingham had numerous chances to score.  Essex was able to come out with a 1-0 lead after the first 20.

Coach Gil Langlois says it was a slow start in the second period too.  “We felt fortunate we got out of the second period the way we did.  We probably played five good minutes of that second period.  But the guys did what we had to do.”

What the guys did was score two goals in a minute span late in the period giving Essex a 3-0 cushion.  They tacked on another before the end of the second and sealed it in the third.   Colin DeLaet (2), Tyler Raymont (shorthanded), Daniel McIntyre (poweplay) and Brett Clarke scored while Darien Eckblad stopped 28 shots for the shutout.

Game 3 is in Essex Saturday night at 7:15pm with Game 4 back in Wingham Sunday night at 7:00pm.