Ontario Hockey Association

The game got off to a bad start for the Wallaceburg Lakers on Tuesday night and went downhill from there.

They allowed six power-play goals in an 8-2 loss to the Essex 73's in Game 1 of the Great Lakes Junior 'C' Hockey League final.

The 73's went on the power play in the opening minute and scored their first goal at 1:04.

"We didn't play great, but it sure didn't help us," Lakers head coach Mark Davis said about the penalties. ". . . It was ridiculous."

He blamed referee John Thompson for the calls.

"Thompson can not . . . referee," Davis said. "I don't care if I get fined.

"He's the worst referee I've ever seen in junior 'C' and I've been coaching for 25 years."

The Lakers trailed only 2-1 late in the first, but the 73's scored with 27 seconds left in the period and added three goals in the second for a 6-1 lead.

Ex-Maroon Brad Biggers had two power play goals for the Lakers.

The Lakers will try to shake off the loss tonight when they host Game 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Davis expects them to look better than in Game 1.

"It's your first game, you're playing the No. 1 team in the league," he said. "Hopefully you can rebound tomorrow.

"You lose 2-1 or 8-2, what does it matter? You lost."

Eight different players scored for the 73's.

Anthony Iaquinta, Mike Dobric, Mike Roach, Gabe Gervais, Mike Lepelaars and Anthony Querin had power-play goals. Vince Santia and R.J. Hotts scored at even-strength and Tanner Gallant had four assists.

It was the first playoff loss for the Lakers, who were outshot 38-15.

"Spend so much time in the penalty box, they're going to get tons of shots," Davis said.

Essex's Branden Robitaille made 13 saves for the win. Ryan George and Tyler Hendricks of Wallaceburg combined for 30 saves.