73's clinch overall regular season title

The Essex 73’s left no doubt Tuesday night.

With a convincing 12-2 victory over the Walpole Island Wild, Essex officially locked up the overall regular season title, earning their league-best 36th win of the year and improving to an impressive 36-4-1 record (73 points).

Seth Martineau and Carter Dembinski led the offence, each scoring once and adding three assists in a four-point performance. Between the pipes, Birk Cassels was steady, turning aside 17 shots — and adding two assists of his own in a rare and impressive all-around effort.

The win secured the overall PJHL regular season title, along with having clinched top seed in the Stobbs Division.

Stobbs Division Race

The Lakeshore Canadiens (30-9-2, 62 points) stumbled Tuesday night, suffering a 3-0 shutout loss to the Blenheim Blades despite firing 40 shots on goal. Jake Vancoillie was unbeatable for Blenheim in front of the hometown crowd.

Despite the loss the Canadiens already have 2nd place wrapped up behind Essex. For the Blades, it was their 29th win and 60th point, franchise highs.

Blenheim travels to Wheatley Saturday night, while Essex wraps up its regular season Friday night in Lakeshore.

Mooretown will finish 4th. The battle is on for 5-6-7 between the Sharks, Amherstburg and Dresden. Wheatley has 35 points with a game left. The Kings have 33 points with one left. The Admirals have 33 points with two games left.

A Look Around the League

With most teams down to one game remaining, division races are nearly settled:

• East Orr Division: Uxbridge Bruins (33-6-0) sit comfortably atop the standings with 66 points.

• East Tod Division: Lakefield Chiefs (29-8-1) lead with 60 points.

• North Carruthers Division: Stayner Siskins (30-8-1) hold first with 61 points.

• North Pollock Division: Hanover Barons (32-6-1-1) and Fergus Whalers (30-7-1) are neck-and-neck, both surpassing the 60-point mark.

• South Bloomfield Division: Dundas Blues (32-6-1) pace the division with 65 points.

• South Doherty Division: Woodstock Navy Vets (27-8-4-1) lead with 59 points.

• West Yeck Division: A tight race sees Thamesford (52 pts), Exeter (51 pts), Petrolia (51 pts), and Mt. Brydges (51 pts) all within striking distance.