The game the game the game. Jake put it best. We can't start the game mid way through the 2nd period. Jake was hung out to dry all night long. Going into the third trailing 6-2 we made a comeback, tied it with 4 straight in 4 minutes. Only to give up the lead for good with 3 minutes left. No quit in our guys! On to the next one!

The Model Ts came out flying. The front office has been feeling the heat from a fan base demanding more W’s and fewer explanations.

After an extensive review of the Bullits’ 2022–23 game tape, management made a bold decision: it was time to unleash Chris Deroche.

“SLINGSHOT ENGAGED.”

Meanwhile, Tom Bordeau borrowed a page from the Joey Robillard handbook and addressed the room: “I can play D, fellas.”

A little switch-a-roo, and the Model Ts are back.

The first period began with Mack nowhere to be found. After his great start to the season, management briefly feared he was holding out for a bigger contract—or demanding a trade. But Mack arrived in time for his shift on the second line and promptly made it 1–0.

You don’t put a saddle on a thoroughbred. 

Super Sub and Self-Demoted Filar then made a solid play at the point, getting the puck to the net for Dennis to tip it home. 2–0. Good hockey players find themselves in the right place at the right time, and Dennis is making a living in front of the net—and in the locker room.

Late in the first, Soz went down with a groin injury. He’s officially week-to-week, pending further evaluation.

Without missing a beat, Tom Bordeau looked around the room and announced, “I can play F, as well fellas.”

What a guy. The man is one shift away from offering to drive the Zamboni.

Jordan found a good spot on the ice and buried  it, to make it 3–0. The Thunderbolts answered on a clean faceoff win to their NHL player, making it 3–1.

No problem. The Model Ts stayed hot, with Mack, Chris, and Aco finding the net to stretch the lead to 6–1.

At this point, the game was looking a lot like my Wednesday night coed bowling performance with the Pocket Pounders at Plaza Lanes: three strikes in a row, an open frame, three more strikes, and then an absolutely legendary collapse.

Sure enough, 6–1 became 6–2. Then 6–3. Then 6–4. Then 6–5. Then 6–6.

Pink and the Thunderbolts’ NHL player put on a third-period scoring clinic. Soz, unable to help on the ice, watched from the glass while experiencing what medical professionals may describe as the full Model Ts experience.

With three minutes left and the game tied, Killer made an incredible save to keep us alive. Then Fully Charged Rookie Sensation Jordan stepped up and ripped a changeup past the tendy for a 7–6 lead.

This was, of course, the plan all along: have Mack fire a bunch of fastballs at the goalie, then let Jordan fool him with the off-speed stuff. Works every time.

An empty-netter sealed the 8–6 win. The Model Ts are back. We won't be answering questions about the five-goal lead in the post game interview.

A stick tap to Brent, Tom B., and Colarusso, who blocked a ton of shots and kept us alive with hustle plays that won’t show up in the box score.

Unfortunately, we lost Brent to a wrist injury and Soz to a groin injury. Wishing both a speedy recovery. Management is already exploring its options.