Essex Junction — Collin Manahan scored twice as the BFA Bobwhites built a 3-0 lead, and goaltender Sean Hengemuhle made it standup with 29 saves as the Bobwhites edged the Essex Hornets 3-2 on Wednesday evening at the Essex Skating Facility.

BFA scored first at the 4:42 mark of the first period as Matt Needleman lifted a left wing shot over the shoulder of Essex goaltender Erik Short for a 1-0 advantage. The Bobwhites would make it 2-0 at the 14 minute mark as Manahan backhanded home the rebound of a point shot by Tanner Cioffi . And then at 6:04 of the second Manahan walked out of the right wing corner and stuffed a shot between Short and the near side goalpost for a 3-0 BFA lead.

Essex got back into the game with two goals late in the second period. After walking across the slot Hornets winger Ryan Young snapped a shot from a tough angle past Hengemuhle at 9:37, and then with the Hornets on a 5×3 powerplay Alex Giummo ripped a shot from the right wing circle at 14:45 to make it a one goal game after two.

But Hengemuhle would hold the fort from there, recording eight third period saves to secure the BFA win.

For the night Essex outshot the Bobwhites 31-20.