Mascot Stricken In Zamboni

The Carolina Hurricanes’ mascot had a seizure inside an ice-resurfacing machine moments before his scheduled debut Tuesday night.

Phil Madren, 32, dressed in a hog costume, had the seizure while laying inside the Zamboni machine waiting for his big entrance before the NHL team’s exhibition game against Detroit, team spokesman Chris Brown said.

The lights were dimmed at the Greensboro Coliseum as the mascot was about to be unveiled. As the Zamboni’s front was opened, Madren’s legs were kicking and then he laid motionless. The crowd of 7,079 thought it was part of the act and hooted and hollered waiting for the hog’s entrance.

After several minutes, the Zamboni driver got off his seat and went to see what was wrong with Madren. He quickly hopped back on his seat and backed the Zamboni off the ice and behind a black curtain.

Madren was taken to Wesley Long Hospital, where he was treated and released.