The Essex 73's draw first blood in Game 1 of the Provincial Junior Hockey League Final, beating the Lakeshore Canadiens 5-2 at the Atlas Tube Centre.
Tyler Boughner opened the scoring the game's scoring for the 73's with an unassisted marker just 25 seconds into the game. William Stadder would finish with two goals while Adam Gaiarin would add two assists to lead the 73's in scoring.
Kyle Carter and JJ Percy had the goals for Lakeshore.
Mitch Topliffe made 28 saves in the loss while Tyler Ryan finished with 26 saves in back-stopping Essex to the win.
The series shifts to Essex on Friday for Game 2. Puck-drop at the Essex Sports Complex is set for 7pm.