Atlanta Thrashers Mascot Thrash steals Zamboni and starts a police chase.
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The NHL's Atlanta Thrashers pulled off one of the most elaborate and inventive viral marketing stunts in recent pro sports history on Wednesday; one that featured a stolen Zamboni, a police chase in rush-hour traffic and a giant plush bird behind bars
The story went like this: Thrash, the team's mascot, was so distraught over the lack of attention being given to his Thrashers, who were a surprising fifth in the Eastern Conference (17-11-3) but averaging just 11,789 fans per home game, that he "stole" a Zamboni from the team's practice facility in Duluth, Ga. He attempted to drive it 25 miles on I-85 to Phillips Arena in downtown Atlanta to draw the attention of hockey-apathetic locals.