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Wednesday, February 28, 2007 · Page 18 HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS 73's lower Flags to half mast BY KEVIN E. NEELS Essex needed the minimum four games in eliminating the Mooretown Flags last week. A big first period in game three and an Eddie Wheeler shutout in the clincher did the trick. The team now awaits the winner of the Wallaceburg/Dresden series. Wallaceburg leads that quarterfinal set 3-2 as of this writing. Last Tuesday Mooretown arrived in town needing a win to avoid going down 3-0 in the series, and to their credit, they gave it a good shot, especially after falling behind after an explosive Essex first period. Seven seconds after the opening face-off the 73's were off and running. Mooretown won the opening face-off but a miscue from one defenceman to the other resulted in an R.J. Hotts steal, and a 1-0 lead. The Essex power play went to work after that with a pair of goals by Chad Slade and Hotts to increase the margin to 3-0 after one period. The Flags held the home team at bay in the middle frame while chipping away with a goal of their own, catching the 73's defense napping, giving up a two-onnone while shorthanded. Mooretown played even with Essex during the final period pulling to within a goal but they could not get the equalizer, falling 3-2. "We got off to a quick start as our leaders really stepped up," said goalie Eddie Wheeler. "We need one more game though, and the fourth game is the hardest to win." "In period two they took some liberties with Eddie, and at this point the referee took over," said Cory Hamilton. "We can't let Eddie get into it; we need him on the ice." Wednesday in Mooretown, the Flags' season ended with a 5-0 loss. This was probably the least exciting game of the series, as an early lead for Essex dampened Mooretown's hopes, and they seemed to sit back and go through the motions the rest of the way. Dan Croft continued his hot offense, scoring one goal and adding a pair of assists in leading the way. Croft started things off early, stripping the puck away from two defenders, walking in alone on Jeff Steadman in the Flags net, and roofing the puck. Less than a minute later a weak shot from the blueline from Anthony Iaquinta had eyes finding the back of the net. The first ended this way. Only one goal was scored in the middle frame with Cory Hamilton as the marksman. The visitors rounded out the scoring with another pair of early goals in the final period for the 5-0 final. "We managed to weather the storm as they came at us hard in this series," said Anthony Iaquinta. "Tonight's game did not have much intensity. We are looking forward to having a break before the next round, give our bumps and bruises a chance to heal, and come out strong against our next opponent." "I was impressed with the way Mooretown played GUIDING THE LITTLE GUYS ­ During their practice on Saturday, Essex Timbits hockey players received a few pointers from the Essex 73's. The Great Lakes Junior `C' club helped the tykes develop their skating skills and puck handling. From left: Connor Cassidy, Blair Cogrove, Cody Webster and 73's player R.J. Hotts. throughout this series," said Tyler Gallant. "I think scoring early helped us out a lot. It gave us a chance to relax more. I am also looking forward to a break before the next series, as I think it will give us a chance for some good practices, and a chance to get everyone healthy." The dates of the next series are, of course, unknown at this time, but the probable start date will be sometime this weekend. Check local paper and radio media for further updates. 2007 Registration Dates Essex Minor Hockey Association ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday March 7th, 2007 · 7:00 PM Essex Civic Centre Council Chambers Saturday FEBRUARY 24th 8am ­ 1pm Saturday MARCH 3rd 8am ­ 1pm @ the ESSEX ARENA House League: T-Ball Rookie Mosquito Pee Wee Bantam Jr. Girls Int. Girls Sr. Girls (2002-2001) (2000-1998) (1997-1996) (1995-1993) (1992-1990) (1998-1996) (1995-1993) (1992-1989) Novice A Drs Hager/Kniaziew Playdowns finished off this week with two games played in Essex. The Ravens entertained the Belle River Rink Rats on Wednesday night. Late in the first, Belle River capitalized one minute into a powerplay to take an early lead 1-0. The Ravens replied at 8:18 of the second as Nash Prier stole the puck in the neutral zone and found Jake Watters all alone flying toward the Belle River net. After a nifty move, Jake found the top shelf to tie the game 1-1. Midway through the second Josh Scratch made two back to back saves to preserve the tie. With 2:51 remaining in the second in a scramble in front of the net, Belle River took the lead again, 2-1. Adam Amicarelli came in and picked up where Josh left off, stacking the pads to deny the Belle River offense on the first shot he faced. Both teams picked it up a notch in the third as eight penalties were handed out between them. While killing a penalty, at 9:18 Brady Rickeard found Dylan Dent going towards the net. Dylan unloaded a shot beating the goaltender on the far side to tie the game 2-2. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Travel: Rookie Mosquito Pee Wee Bantam Midget Junior (2000-1998) (1997-1996) (1995-1994) (1993-1992) (1991-1989) (1988-1987) These items will be on the agenda: Reports on 2006/2007 Season Election of the 2007/2008 Executive New Business brought before the meeting for discussion The EMHA Executive has proposed several changes to the Constitution & By-Laws, to be voted on at the Annual General Meeting. Please review these changes by visiting the EMHA website at: www.essexhockey.ca Please submit any proposed changes to the Constitution & By-Laws in writing by February 21st, 2007. Please mail your proposed changes to: Essex Minor Hockey Association Box 111, Essex ON, N8M 2Y2 Fees for 2007: 1 player $80 · 2 players $150 · 3 or more $200 · T-Ball $40 Registration fees may be claimed as a credit for 2007 income tax purpose for children under the age of 16. Financial assistance is available to parents who are eligible to receive the National Child Benefit Supplement. Contact the town of Essex for details and please bring completed forms to registration if eligible. WESTON PARK RECREATION Recreational T-ball / Softball 5284 North Talbot Rd. 1 mile east of Ciociaro Club Registration Saturday, March 3 & Sunday, March 4 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fees: Adults $40 Kids $25 T-ball - ages 4-8 1999-2003 Juniors - ages 9-13 1995-1998 Women's 3 pitch Men's 2 Pitch House League coaches and assistants wanted. Late registration will be subject to availability and an additional fee of $20 per player will apply. FINAL LATE REGISTRATION MARCH 3, 2007 · 9:00 - 1:00 P.M. Essex Memorial Arena Meeting Room $ will be applied to Registration Essex Optimist Recreational Soccer League ESSEX PAYDAY ADVANCE Trust us for speed and convenience when you need money FAST. CASH! WHEN YOU NEED IT 2 0 . 00 LATE FEE 35 VICTORIA AVE., ESSEX · 519-776-9986 Personal Service · Confidentiality DIVORCE... Separation Agreements, Custody, Visitation, Spousal Support, Child Support, Marriage Cohabitation Agreements, Property Division including business assets & pensions. For more info call Bob Weston at (519)728-1399 or (519)737-6475 NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE! GARY G. OUELLETTE Greenwood Centre 974-0688 (Intersection of E.C. Row Expressway and Central Ave.) 3200 Deziel Dr., Suite 415 Windsor, Ontario FAMILY LAW