Wednesday, November 8, 2006 · Page 25 CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER Why miss work or school for court? Impaired... assaults... threats... traffic tickets Criminal Pardons at a reasonable cost. HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS 73's need overtime to extend winning streak BY KEVIN E. NEELS The smallest crowd of the season last Tuesday witnessed one of the most exciting games so far this season. Many probably thought, `It's only Wallaceburg in town; they are easy pickings.' Not the case this year, as Essex has had their hands full in both of the games against the Lakers this season. Head Coach Mark Davis has his club playing extremely well right now, as they sit second in the North Division of the league and seem determined to get a playoff spot for the first time in quite a few years. Period one was evenly played, but it was Essex that jumped into the early lead with Mike Roach cashing in during a goalmouth scramble. Things quieted down for a long spell before the 73's ran into some undisciplined penalties late in the period. The Lakers stunned the crowd with three power play goals in a span of just 1:46 to hold a 3-1 lead heading to the dressing room. Intermission could not have been a fun time for the 73's as Head Coach Tony Piroski must have let his troops know that the first period effort was not acceptable. Period two was a much better effort, but neither team could score a goal. Essex rallied in period three with a pair of quick markers to even the score, with Wes Tan and R.J. Hotts doing the damage. Neither club could end this thing in regulation so it was off to overtime, the first one for Essex this season. The 73's wasted no time in ending the game. The shot from the stick of Wes Tan was behind Lakers goal- CHRISTINA SWEET Weekend and evening appointments in Essex Barrister-at-Law 2 53 - 01 40 keeper Matt Berglund before he could move, extending the 73's winning streak to 13 games. Wallaceburg left the ice dejected as they fought so hard only to lose in the end. Outside the dressing room Coach Davis could be heard praising his team on a good effort. Wes Tan, who finally rejoined the team after an injury, was ecstatic after the game. "It was a great shot to end it. I felt my positioning was off tonight, but I was glad I could contribute and, more importantly, we won," he said. Veteran Chad Wolters is back with the team this season after missing most of last year, and is still struggling to stay in the line-up. "I have a few nagging injuries that just won't go away, but I'm working hard to get in shape and help this team out. I feel we have a real good squad here with four solid lines, and without a doubt the most talented R e s. 7 7 6- 8 98 3 offensive team since I have been here. We should have a good season." The pace picks up once again for the team next week as they have three games. Friday the club will travel to Alvinston. Tuesday Essex will host the Wallaceburg Lakers once again before taking to the road the next evening when they will be in Belle River to face off against the Canadiens. POPPIES IN BLOOM Essex 73's defenseman Anthony aquinta sells poppies to Nicole Deschamps, left, and ourtney Peelar on Talbot Street in Essex Nov. 3. Half a ozen 73's players volunteered to sell poppies around ssex for the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund. "I was glad I could contribute and, more importantly, we won." Wes Tan on the Oct. 31 game against the Wallaceburg Lakers.