From what I heard, and this is all on very good authority, this was simply a wood burning project that went awry.
Some of the Zips players were looking to surprise Coach Bowden with a customized canoe paddle as a Sweetest Day gift, and the damn gun tip overheated. Thankfully no one was injured. The players were embarrassed, and promised to never again undertake any craft projects prior to games. The pic below was taken just before the accident...if they wouldn't have added that last pine tree, everything would have been cool.
Much ado about nothing. Move along everyone.