Admirals Drop Close Game To Essex

The Amherstburg Admirals dropped a close 3-1 game to the Essex 73’s on Saturday night in Amherstburg, proving that they can hang with the league’s top team in the process.

Trailing 2-0 in the second period, Rory Sandison scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season at 18:18 on a nifty play in tight to bring the Admirals within a goal. However, the turning-point in the contest would occur in the dying seconds of the period when Patrick McManus made a nice rush that was followed up by Gabe Piccolo who restored the 73’s two-goal lead. A scoreless third period left the final score-line at 3-1 in favour of the visiting 73’s.

Russell Vaughan was sharp throughout the 60 minutes, making 25 saves to help keep his team in the game. He earned Third Star of the game, while Essex forward Patrick McManus was named First Star for his goal and assist performance. Amazingly, there were no penalties called in what was a fast and well-played game.

The loss dropped the Admirals to a record of 3-5 on the season, while the first-place 73’s remained unbeaten at 7-0. Next up for the Admirals is a trip to Lakeshore to take on the Canadiens this coming Friday night, before returning home to take on the Blenheim Blades on Saturday night.