Trump nominates Panthers owner Viola as Secretary of the Army

Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola has been nominated by United States President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Army, the team announced Monday.

The nomination is still subject to Senate confirmation, but the NHL confirmed their approval via statement.

"We proudly congratulate Vincent Viola on his nomination to this important position - which, pending Senate approval, obviously will require his full-time attention. The Club has assured us that the day-to-day operations of the Panthers' franchise will not be affected by this development, and we will certainly work closely with the Club to ensure that is the case. Mr. Viola and team ownership have further advised that they remain completely committed to South Florida and to the Panthers' fans."

Viola and his family would continue to own the Panthers, but he's asked Doug Cifu, vice chairman and alternate governor, to step into his role as chairman and governor of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment.

Viola graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1977 and has a long history in the Army.

He purchased the Panthers in 2013.