Vincent Viola is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who has also had a notable career in the world of hockey. He is the owner of the Florida Panthers, a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida. Viola's involvement in hockey began in the early 2000s when he became a minority owner of the New York Islanders. He later sold his stake in the team and purchased the Panthers in 2013.
Viola's passion for hockey began at a young age when he played the sport in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. He continued to play throughout his college years at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a standout player and captain of the team. After graduating from West Point, Viola served in the U.S. Army and was a Ranger-qualified infantry officer.
Viola's business career began after he left the military, and he went on to found several successful companies in the financial industry. He is the founder and former chairman of Virtu Financial, a high-frequency trading firm, and has also been involved in other ventures such as real estate development and horse racing.
Despite his success in business, Viola remained passionate about hockey and continued to be involved in the sport. In addition to his ownership of the Panthers, he has also been involved in various hockey-related organizations. He served as chairman of the USA Hockey Foundation and was a member of the board of directors for the National Hockey League.
Viola's tenure as owner of the Panthers has been marked by a commitment to building a winning team and improving the fan experience. Under his leadership, the team has made significant investments in player development and has seen success on the ice, including a trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2020. Viola has also been involved in efforts to improve the team's home arena, the BB&T Center, and has worked to enhance the fan experience through initiatives such as the Panthers' "Territory Takeover" campaign.
Overall, Vincent Viola's career in hockey has been marked by a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice. As owner of the Panthers, he has worked tirelessly to build a winning team and create a memorable experience for fans, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
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