Philip Anschutz is a prominent figure in the world of hockey, having made significant contributions to the sport as an owner and investor. He is the founder of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a global sports and entertainment company that owns and operates several professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Anschutz's involvement in hockey began in the early 1990s when he purchased the Kings, a struggling franchise that had not won a championship in its 25-year history. Under his ownership, the team underwent a major transformation, both on and off the ice. Anschutz invested heavily in the team, hiring top talent and building a state-of-the-art arena, the Staples Center, which became the Kings' home in 1999.
The Kings' fortunes began to turn around in the early 2000s, as the team made several playoff appearances and reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993. However, it was not until 2012 that the Kings finally won their first championship, under the leadership of Anschutz and his management team. The team went on to win another championship in 2014, cementing its status as one of the NHL's elite franchises.
Anschutz's impact on hockey extends beyond the Kings, however. He has been a major investor in the sport, helping to fund the construction of several new arenas and supporting the growth of the game at all levels. He was instrumental in bringing the NHL to Las Vegas, where the expansion Golden Knights have quickly become one of the league's most successful franchises.
Anschutz's contributions to hockey have not gone unnoticed. He has been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and received numerous awards and honors for his work in the sport. His legacy as a hockey owner and investor will continue to be felt for years to come, as the sport continues to grow and evolve.
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