Tampa Bay Lightning eject ThunderBug after YouTube online video incident

5:59 PM, Jan 25, 2012 | comments

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for a new mascot less than a week after "ThunderBug" had an altercation with a Bruins fan.

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TAMPA, Florida -- The 10 News Investigators have learned the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for a new mascot less than a week after "ThunderBug" had an altercation with a Bruins fan.

A Boston-backer slammed the mascot from behind during the Tuesday, Jan 17 Lightning-Bruins game after he was hit with silly string. Ushers spoke to the man in the concourse, but he later returned to his seat.

Photo Gallery: ThunderBug's altercation with fan

Video of the incident, meanwhile, went viral and garnered national attention. On Monday, the Lightning confirmed the mascot performer will not work another game for the team. The woman had been with the team since 2009.

A Lightning spokesman said the incident played a part in the team's decision, but it wasn't the only factor.

The ThunderBug isn't the only mascot to have been given the pinkslip before in the Bay area. In 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays fired the woman underneath the Raymond mascot.

Fans of the Bug have created a Facebook page, showing their support for their mascot.

Watch the clip of the incident below: