Latest news with #MatthewTkachuk
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Panthers Win Second Stanley Cup Under Owner Vincent Viola
The Florida Panthers have skated to another Stanley Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers for the second straight year, this time in a 4-2 series triumph. Florida dominated from the get-go in its Game 6 decider, with first period goals from Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart putting the Panthers on course for a 5-1 win. Reinhart finished with four goals. Advertisement More from While the players deserve the credit for winning on the ice, team owners stake a claim to the glory as well. As the business head of the Panthers, guiding the organization to its two Stanley Cup titles and three straight appearances in the championship series, Vincent 'Vinnie' Viola has his named etched on the Cup alongside his players. Who is Vinnie Viola and how did he make his money? In many ways, Viola is a typical South Floridian—he's originally from New York. The son of a blue-collar worker—his father was a truck driver—Vinnie grew up in Brooklyn and then attended West Point, graduating in 1976. After fulfilling his required military service, he started as a trader on Wall Street in 1982. Viola also earned his law degree from New York University in 1983. Advertisement By the end of the 1980s he had founded three businesses: a futures trading group, a Texas bank and a derivatives market maker in Europe. While also serving in the Army reserves, eventually rising to the rank of Major, Viola's career on Wall Street progressed until he was chosen as chairman of the NYMEX—the New York Mercantile Exchange, a commodities and futures exchange—in 2001. In 2008, he founded Virtu Financial, a high-speed trading firm that primarily makes markets in various securities, providing liquidity for institutional traders. Virtu went public in 2015 and is the main source of his wealth. A billionaire, Viola was briefly considered to be nominated as secretary of the Army during Donald Trump's first administration. He withdrew himself from consideration for the post due to a potential conflict of interest that could have resulted in him, as a government official, benefitting from government contracts. He was seeking at the time to acquire a stake in Swiftair, which charters jets to the government. What is Viola's net worth? According to Forbes, Viola has a net worth of $6.1 billion, placing him among the 600 wealthiest people on the planet. When did Viola first get into sports ownership? Viola originally got involved in sports ownership with the purchase of a minority stake of the New Jersey Nets. He had been a season-ticket holder since about 1989 and bought into the team when real estate developer Bruce Ratner gained control of the franchise in 2004. During his time with the Nets, he had the job of making the major financial decisions for the team, according to a biography of Viola in the club's website. Viola sold his stake to Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov in 2010. Advertisement A couple of years after selling his Nets equity, Viola reportedly reentered sports through ownership of a number of thoroughbred horses. He still owns a troop of race horses through his St. Elias Stable. His horses have won more than $7 million, according to America's Best Racing, a horse racing publication. When did Viola buy the Panthers? Viola bought control of the Panthers in 2013, paying $250 million for all of the franchise's equity from hedge funder Cliff Viner and his limited partners. Joining him at purchase time as aminority owner was Doug Cifu, a Virtu cofounder who is now vice chairman of the club. At the time, Viola had his work cut out for him. The franchise had largely been moribund in its two-decade history since expansion. The season prior to the purchase, the Panthers were the worst NHL team on the ice, and had made the playoffs only once in 12 years before he acquired the team. Under his ownership, the club has made the playoffs seven out of 13 years, including six straight. He also renovated the team's Fort Lauderdale arena and added a two-sheet practice facility and community skating rink, which opened a little over a year ago. Advertisement The team has thrived under Viola. While the Panthers rank 26th in the latest Sportico NHL franchise valuations, their $1.25 billion valuation is more than double the $520 million the team was worth in 2021. Coming off its first Stanley Cup, the club had a 91% season ticket renewal rate for the current season. Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Panthers' massive bar tab revealed after wild Stanley Cup party at Miami nightclub
At this point, we're starting to wonder how the Stanley Cup didn't receive more than just a couple of dents and nicks. The party seemingly hasn't stopped for the Florida Panthers since they defeated the Edmonton Oilers last week to capture their second straight Stanley Cup — with one trip to a Miami nightclub racking up an obscene bill. The Panthers' tab at E11EVEN reportedly hit US$500,000 or roughly C$687,000 after they celebrated their hard-earned repeat until early in the morning – and some players didn't even want to leave the club, which is open 24 hours on weekends. Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk revealed that captain Aleksander Barkov had to pull teammate Brad Marchand away from the club at 5 a.m. once he found out that the team's entire bill had been comped. 'He was going to pay before he realized it was a $500Gs comp,' Tkachuk said on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast. 'We're treated pretty well there. They do a good job, they're classy.' Ex-NHLer and current analyst Paul Bissonnette added on the podcast that there was a lot of 'pent-up partying that was on display between E11EVEN, the parade, dunking in the ocean … It was an all spectacle that definitely rivals that 2019 Washington team.' 'Seeing Marchand holding the Cup crowd surfing at E11EVEN was out of control,' former NHLer Ryan Whitney added on the podcast. In a clip that went viral last week, Marchand was seen hoisting Lord Stanley's mug while being lifted up by partygoers as Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club played. The song had been a rallying cry for the Oilers during their playoff run before their fall to the Panthers. The party hasn't stopped since Florida won the Cup last Tuesday. Members of the team and the Cup itself have been spotted at several bars around South Florida, including multiple stops at the popular Elbo Room. Barkov also got his neighbours in on the celebrations after knocking on their door at 5 a.m. with teammates and the Cup in hand last Wednesday morning. The team held its parade on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale with the beach packed with tens of thousands of fans. Panthers' Sam Bennett says he 'ain't f****** leaving' Cup champions Florida Panthers damage the Stanley Cup during wild celebrations
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Matthew Tkachuk's bold post sparks buzz online as he tries to set up Anton Lundell with Sommer Ray after Stanley Cup win
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (Credit: Getty Images) Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (Credit: Getty Images) Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (Credit: Getty Images) Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (Credit: Getty Images) Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (Credit: Getty Images) 1 2 When you're a two-time Stanley Cup champion like Matthew Tkachuk, you feel like you're on top of the world. And that confidence was on full display as the Florida Panthers celebrated their historic second straight championship. During the celebrations, Tkachuk made waves not just for partying hard but for trying to be a wingman for his teammate. Tkachuk's post came just days after the team's parade and a headline-making $500,000 night at the Eleven Nightclub, proving that the Panthers are enjoying their title win to the fullest. His tweet referencing Sommer Ray added a spicy celebrity twist to the celebrations. Sommer Ray's Instagram name pops up unexpectedly It all began when Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was searching Instagram for Sam Reinhart and stumbled upon Sommer Ray's profile instead. What could have been a small moment of confusion turned into locker room banter, and soon, it spilled over into social media. The timing and setting added to the buzz. With the team fresh off their parade, this light-hearted interaction was yet another reminder that the Panthers are soaking up every bit of their hard-earned victory. Sommer Ray, who has millions of followers across platforms, hasn't responded publicly yet, but fans are watching closely. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Licensed Tirzepatide Available in Missouri Direct Meds Order Now Undo Anton Lundell now draws attention off the ice While Anton Lundell is used to gaining attention for his play on the ice, his name was suddenly trending for a completely different reason. Known for his quiet demeanor and strong performance in the postseason, the Finnish forward found himself the subject of internet chatter, thanks to Tkachuk's wingman moment. Whether anything happens from the social media interaction remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Panthers are owning their moment in the spotlight, both on and off the ice. As fans eagerly wait for Sommer Ray's possible response, Matthew Tkachuk's humorous matchmaking has already added to the legend of Florida's championship run. Also Read: NHL trade rumor: Mitch Marner and his wife Stephanie Marner reportedly spotted house-hunting in Las Vegas, sparking the latest buzz Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Panthers' massive bar tab revealed after wild Stanley Cup party at Miami nightclub
At this point, we're starting to wonder how the Stanley Cup didn't receive more than just a couple of dents and nicks. The party seemingly hasn't stopped for the Florida Panthers since they defeated the Edmonton Oilers last week to capture their second straight Stanley Cup — with one trip to a Miami nightclub racking up an obscene bill. The Panthers' tab at E11EVEN reportedly hit US$500,000 or roughly C$687,000 after they celebrated their hard-earned repeat until early in the morning – and some players didn't even want to leave the club, which is open 24 hours on weekends. Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk revealed that captain Aleksander Barkov had to pull teammate Brad Marchand away from the club at 5 a.m. once he found out that the team's entire bill had been comped. 'He was going to pay before he realized it was a $500Gs comp,' Tkachuk said on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast. 'We're treated pretty well there. They do a good job, they're classy.' Ex-NHLer and current analyst Paul Bissonnette added on the podcast that there was a lot of 'pent-up partying that was on display between E11EVEN, the parade, dunking in the ocean … It was an all spectacle that definitely rivals that 2019 Washington team.' 'Seeing Marchand holding the Cup crowd surfing at E11EVEN was out of control,' former NHLer Ryan Whitney added on the podcast. In a clip that went viral last week, Marchand was seen hoisting Lord Stanley's mug while being lifted up by partygoers as Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club played. The song had been a rallying cry for the Oilers during their playoff run before their fall to the Panthers. The party hasn't stopped since Florida won the Cup last Tuesday. Members of the team and the Cup itself have been spotted at several bars around South Florida, including multiple stops at the popular Elbo Room. Barkov also got his neighbours in on the celebrations after knocking on their door at 5 a.m. with teammates and the Cup in hand last Wednesday morning. The team held its parade on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale with the beach packed with tens of thousands of fans. Panthers' Sam Bennett says he 'ain't f****** leaving' Cup champions Florida Panthers damage the Stanley Cup during wild celebrations
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers bring Stanley Cup to see Messi at Club World Cup match
The Stanley Cup has been making its rounds over the past week. After several days of partying at Elbo Room, poolside at Matthew Tkachuk's house, at E11EVEN, and at Sunday's championship parade, you'd think the historic trophy would be ready for a rest. Advertisement Not even close. On Monday night, the Stanley Cup was on the soccer pitch at Hard Rock Stadium. Fans packing the stadium were there to see Lionel Messi, arguably the world's biggest soccer star, but were treated to see the Stanley Cup, the world's most famous trophy. Panthers Captain Sasha Barkov was seen lifting the Cup above his head, flanked by teammates Dmitry Kulikov, Evan Rodrigues, Anton Lundell and Niko Mikkola, as well as team President Matthew Caldwell. Perhaps they brought the hometown Inter Miami club some good luck. Entering the game as large underdogs against Palmeiras, Inter Miami pulled off a huge 2-2 tie, securing a spot in the Club World Cup Round of 16. Advertisement In what was another awesome and unique experience for the Stanely Cup, it only makes you wonder where it's going to pop up next. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Sasha Barkov explains why Panthers leadership wanted first-time winners to hoist Stanley Cup before anyone else Panthers Struck Gold Signing Veteran Defenseman Panthers celebrate second straight Stanley Cup victory with sun-soaked parade along Fort Lauderdale Beach One year away from being a 37-year-old free agent, Sergei Bobrovsky playing best hockey of his career Several Potential Suitors Named For Panthers' Brad Marchand Photo caption: [Subscription Customers Only] Jun 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers player Aleksander Barkov celebrates with the Stanley Cup on the pitch with the trophy with teammates at half time during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between SE Palmeiras and Inter Miami CF at Hard Rock Stadium. (Marco Bello-Reuters via Imagn Images)
