Lakers Collapse Late to Lose to the Essex 73s

After jumping out to a 4-1 lead, the Wallaceburg Lakers fell apart late to lose 8-6 to the Essex 73s.

Lucais Meyskens scored two goals for Wallaceburg in the first period en route to his first career junior hockey hat trick. After finishing the first period up 2-1, Wallaceburg stormed out of the gate in the second increasing their lead with two goals from Chris Taylor.

Then, midway through the second period, after replacing their goaltender, the Essex 73s showed why they are annually one of the provinces best Junior C teams. Essex scored five goals in a 13 minute span, including 3 powerplay goals, while Norm Leger kept pace for Wallaceburg scoring their final goal of the game.

Heading into the third period tied 6-6, the final frame would be all Essex, with the 73s outshooting Wallaceburg 23-10 in the third, beating Wallaceburg goaltender Reid Rankin twice to win 8-6.

Rankin faced 62 shots in total in the loss.

Wallaceburg will travel to Blenheim this Sunday to face the streaking Blades.