Follow @SpiegelSports If there is one thing about covering the Florida Panthers, it's that they are never boring.
Box scores and statistics are a dime a dozen across the league, but Florida has a knack for being in the headlines for things other than on-ice production.
Today came a rather unexpected piece of off-ice news as President-elect Donald Trump named Florida Panther owner Vinnie Viola to be his new Secretary of the Army. The Senate would need to confirm the pick.
“I am proud to have such an incredibly accomplished and selfless individual as Vincent Viola as our Secretary of the Army,… Trump said in a statement.
“Whether it is his distinguished military service or highly impressive track record in the world of business, Vinnie has proved throughout his life that he knows how to be a leader and deliver major results in the face of any challenge.
“He is a man of outstanding work ethic, integrity, and strategic vision, with an exceptional ability to motivate others. The American people, whether civilian or military, should have great confidence that Vinnie Viola has what it takes to keep America safe and oversee issues of concern to our troops in the Army.…
Viola said it was a "great honor" to be named. If confirmed, his focus will turn to much bigger things than the world of business and hockey.
“If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to provide our president with the land force he will need to accomplish any mission in support of his National Defense Strategy,… Viola said in the statement.
“A primary focus of my leadership will be ensuring that America's soldiers have the ways and means to fight and win across the full spectrum of conflict. This great honor comes with great responsibility, and I will fight for the American people and their right to live free every day.…
The Secretary of the Army is a non-Cabinet position serving the under the Secretary of Defense.
Ownership of the Panthers will remain in the Viola family, and Doug Cifu, long time partner with Viola with the Panthers and Virtu Financial, will become chairman and governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment. That should bode well for the media and others in the hockey universe as Cifu is known for wearing his heart on his sleeve via social media.
During Trump's campaign he vowed to "drain the swamp" in Washington by eradicating lobbyists and rampant corruption. What has happened since has been a complete reversal of his campaign promises, assembling one of the most questionable and under qualified cabinets in U.S. history.
On face value the selection of Viola sticks out as one of the few solid choices for his team. Unlike many team appointments he at least has credentials that will serve his role. Viola founded the Combating Terrorism Center at his alma mater, West Point, after the attacks of September 11th, 2001. He previously graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne, Infantry and Ranger Schools, and served in the 101st Airborne Division.
Since taking over as owner of the Florida Panthers in 2013, there has been a heavy focus on giving back to the community, as well as recognizing many for their military service. One could argue the rebranding of the Panthers with the new logo/uniforms as well as management changes within the organization are a direct result of wanting a unit that was built in his vision.
For Trump, an accomplished military mind who is also a billionaire proved a worthy candidate to become part of his inner circle. Everyone within the Panther organization has expressed how honored they are to know and work with Viola. Chances are Trump will echo those sentiments in the near future.
Dan Spiegel Florida Panthers MediaFollow me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Join the Florida Panthers Insiders FB Page Connect with me on Google Plus