The Amherstburg Admirals fell 6-3 to the Essex 73's in the teams' season opener on Tuesday.
Dawson Winchester led Essex with two goals, while Bryce Ryan, Curtis Jackson, Quinn Fazekas and Michael Vieira each scored once.
Ty Moss, Cory Burns and Caleb Paquette scored the three goals for Amherstburg.
The Admirals will travel to Blenheim on Sunday to battle the Blades at 6 p.m. And then on September 18, the 73's are in Essex again to face off against the Lakeshore Canadiens at 7 p.m.