For outsiders looking at the Florida Panthers organization, 2016 continues to be a very strange year to understand.

To recap: The Panthers organization have had a bizarre December. Panthers ownership fired head coach Gerard Gallant, despite relative success. The move was a clear signal towards further embracing analytics with a collaborative management group. But, only days later, it was revealed Dale Tallon was still the man pulling the strings, although Florida’s ownership’s insisted nothings changed. Essentially, it’s a giant shit-show.

But, the month’s not over yet, so there was ample time for things to get stranger – and it has. Panthers co-owner Vincent Viola was picked by president-elect Donald Trump as Secretary of the Army.

Viola joins former WWE executive Linda McMahon (small business administration) as a prominent face in both the business and sports world making the jump into national politics.

Unlike some of Trump’s picks, Viola does have tangible experience in the position he’s representing. Viola was a second lieutenant in the U.S. military in 1977. He became a trader with the New York Mercantile Exchange five years later, serving numerous roles and eventually serving as chairman from 2001-2004.

In 2008, Viola founded the electronic market company Virtu Financial, which has helped him accumulate a large portion of his wealth. In 2013, he purchased the Florida Panthers with Virtu Financial co-owner Doug Cifu. Under Viola’s ownership, Florida has experienced moderate success.

In terms of recent military activity, Viola founded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. He’s also been a proponent of developing technology for the military to use – creating Rowan Technology Solutions and supporting multiple military institutes. He once said the Army of the future will be built on the ““gestalt of geekdom.”

Does that background qualify Viola as Secretary of the Army? Trump thinks so. It’s easy to be pessimistic and think “Trump gave a key position to another billionaire,” but at least that billionaire appears to care deeply about the military.

Regardless of where you stand on the appointment, Panthers ownership will undergo some changes. According to the press release announcing the news, the organization will be placed in a trust for the benefit of Viola’s family. The move was made to avoid any conflicts of interest. Cifu, who’s been a vocal voice for the Panthers, will be promoted from Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor of the club to Chairman and Governor of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment.

It’s hard to gauge whether Viola’s surprising political appointment will have any effects on the Panthers day-to-day operations. Cifu appeared to be the most connected with the organization from Florida ownership group. He’s made an early imprint with the Panthers with the dramatic turnover in every aspect of hockey operations. I wouldn’t expect Florida to suddenly drastically shift towards a new philosophy now that Viola’s in the White House.

 

[Image via NHL.com]

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com