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Wednesday, May 2, 2007 · Page 17 Despite catching Pentang Kings goalie Dan Earles down, Essex 73's Mike Roach is foiled by Pentang's Marc Duquette during the first period of Saturday's game two of the All Ontario Jr. C finals. The Kings won both games in Essex over the weekend and now lead the series 2-1. 111 Brien Ave. E. Essex, Ont. N8M 2P1 Tel: 519.995-Fitt Fax: 519.776.7522 Email: Kevin@FITtoBU.com Website: www.FITtoBU.com Kevin Beaulieu Certified Trainner HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS Home ice fails to inspire 73's BY KEVIN E. NEELS After winning the first game of the Ontario Junior C final series, Essex failed to take advantage of gaining home ice by dropping games two and three in Essex. The 73's must now play three out of a possible four games on the road, and win three of them to win it all. Impossible some might say. "We have to have a non give-up attitude," said Jeremy Venables. "This is not impossible." Saturday night Essex played with no desire, to put it bluntly. They looked very lackadaisical. And although the locals outshot the visitors, it was Eddie Wheeler who kept Essex in the game, especially early on. The 73's also ran into another big problem once again, trips to the penalty box. Period one was scoreless although the Kings came close on a pair of occasions while on a power play. Wheeler made a spectacular save on one chance, while Chad Wolters stopped what looked like a sure goal on another. The penalties caught up with Essex in the second frame as Penetang cashed in on two of the opportunities to take a 2-0 lead into period three. With less than ten minutes remaining in the third Evan Stibbard put Essex on the board with a quick wristshot, but this was as close as Essex would get. The Kings ended the comeback hopes with an empty net marker with less than thirty seconds remaining. "I know we keep talking about it but we need to stay out of the box," said Mike Roach. "Tomorrow we need to come out hard, get on their defense, and capitalize on our chances." "We just handed them home ice advantage right back," added Brit Ouellette. "We knew they would be tough but we're beating ourselves. We failed to stay dis- ciplined once again, and we need to win the small battles along the boards." Sunday afternoon was huge for the locals as they certainly did not want to fall behind in the series heading back to Penetang. They started off on the right foot grabbing a 1-0 lead after a period of play, with Vince Santia ripping a shot into the top corner of the net late in the period. The visitors evened the score just 33 seconds into the second period as Eddie Wheeler was screened on a point shot, for the only goal of the period. Period three was a wild one with each team netting a pair of goals. Essex jumped out to a 2-1 lead just over two minutes in as Tyler Gallant backhanded a rebound past Dan Earles. It stayed this way until the final six and a half minutes. SEE 73'S, PAGE 18