A Victoria Royals fan who tackled the team's mascot in front of thousands of fans on Saturday could be facing criminal assault charges.
Video from the Royals' 3-1 win over the Red Deer Rebels captured one fan who didn't take kindly to Marty the Marmot's meddling during an intermission game of musical chairs at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
Video images show a man slamming the jovial marmot onto the ice and then dragging Marty by his foam foot for several seconds before being escorted off the rink.
VicPD Const. Mike Russell said police are conducting an active investigation into the incident.
"We are investigating it as a criminal assault case and have identified the suspect," Russell said.
Police are still waiting to interview the employee who dons the novelty marmot suit, Russell said.
Victoria Royals officials did not immediately return requests for comment.