The game kicked off the Great Lakes Junior C schedule, and pitted the new-faced 73's against a veteran Canadian's lineup.
It was a chippy affair throughout, with Belle River picking up the game's first three powerplays, but it was Essex who led after the first frame 1-0 thanks in part to the fine play of 73's goaltender Taylor Speed, and agoal by Zac Miletec.
The scrappy play continued into the second period as both teams had a difficult time staying out of the penalty box.
Belle River finally struck 12:01 ona goal by Dylan Impens. Then, just 2:26 later, on a powerplay, they struck again to take a 2-1 lead. Veteran Mike Ditty notched his first goal of the season.
Essex weathered the storm, and calmed the play downthe rest of the period, and their hard work paid off as Brian Hamlin and Daniel McIntyre scored three minutes apart to regain the lead for Essex heading into the third period.
The third period had Belle River on the attack early, and finally, with 3:32 left in the game, Chris DiNatale jumped out of the penalty box, created a turnover at the Canadians' blue line, and got one past Speed to tiethegame at three, and set it to overtime.
Overtime settled nothing as both teams had just a couple chances each, so it would be decided in overtime after each team sent five shooters on goal.
Belle River outshot the home-town 73's, 41-29 in the game, but many of those shots came courtesy of their nine powerplay opportunities. In total, Belle River went 1-9 on the powerplay, and the 73's 0-4.
General manager Scott Miller said after the game, "it was a good start against a veteran team such as the Canadians."
Essex next hosts the Wheatley Sharks, Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Gametime is 7:00pm.
For complete Game Summary, click here.
