ESSEX JUNCTION — The Essex Hornets used two rapid goal scoring bursts to open up a five goal lead and eased past the previously unbeaten Spaulding Crimson Tide 6-1 on Monday night at the Essex Rink.
Essex jumped into a 2-0 first period lead, netting a pair of goals 22 seconds apart just three minutes into the game. Senior defenseman Maverick King figured into both scores, firing home a point shot for the first, then taking the puck to the net on the second before teammate Sam Couture jammed home the rebound.
Spaulding responded well to the fast Essex start in the first, gradually taking over the play as the period continued. The Tide then dominated the second 15 minutes, but Essex goaltender Sam Foster stood tall and held the visitors off the board.
The Hornets came out reinvigorated and seized control in the third, netting three goals in one minute and fifty eight seconds. Issac Johnson made it 3-0 at 1:49, Ryan Young tallied on an end to end rush at 2:54 and Jonah Janaro buried a shot from a bad angle at 3:47 for a 5-0 lead.
Spaulding got on the board with a Parker Spaulding powerplay goal and Young scored his second of the night on a late breakaway to account for the final margin.
With the win Essex is now 7-2. The loss drops the Crimson Tide to 4-1.