Heavy hitting on the ice-hockey rink is nothing new, but a furry mascot being driven into the ice is a whole new ball game.
Poor old Marty the Marmot – a marmot is a type of squirrel in case you didn’t know – the mascot for Canadian side the Victoria Royals as he was a victim of a tackle that was worthy of its place in the upcoming Autumn Internationals.
During a fun game of muscial chairs between supporters, being played on the ice at half time during a Royals’ match, Marty shoved an inflatable chair to a young woman, rather than to a rather aggressive and competitive chap who was hoping to sit on it to advance. That was to prove a costly error.
Now supporters are a passionate bunch, but this went a little too far as Marty was dump tackled for his troubles by the fuming fan, which you can see at the 40 second mark.
The incident has got tongues wagging in Canada and while Marty has been advised by many to press charges, Victoria police say they are waiting to speak to the man who wears the Marty costume. According to The National Post, depending on his statement, they could decide to lay charges against the mascot’s unnamed assailant.
Marty was in forgiving mood after the incident and took to Twitter to let his fans know he was alive and kicking.
Thanks for the love this morning! Feeling good, enjoying a quiet day in the burrow. Getting ready to rock vs. EDM on WED!!! SEE YOU THERE!!!
— Marty TheMarmot (@Marty_Marmot) November 3, 2013
Showing he had a made a full recovery, Marty was back in action for the following game against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
What a trooper.
