The Sunshine Skate is incredibly excited to announce our interview with Doug Cifu (Vice Chairman, Partner & Alternate Governor of the Florida Panthers). During our interview with Doug, we discuss his roots in hockey, the growth of the Florida Panthers, and some foreshadowing on future jerseys.
Kris M.: Before we jump into your role with the Florida Panthers, let’s learn more about the man known as “@Dougielarge” on twitter. As a native of Syosset, N.Y, you lived in-between the Nassau Coliseum and Madison Square Garden, two historical landmarks for hockey. What was your experience with hockey growing up and was there a defining moment that highlighted your passion for the sport?
Doug Cifu: Unhappily I grew up a huge Rangers fan in the late 70s on Long Island just when the Islanders had their fabulous run. So my four years in Syosset High School were 1979-1983 and they were ruined by one Bill Torrey and the NY Islanders. I told Denis Potvin the first time that I met him in October of this year that he was solely responsible for my miserable high school years. It was amazing to see such a great team succeed for as long as they did and to see how a community will rally around a winner. Those lessons have stuck with me for the last 30+ years.
KM: Who was your favorite player?
DC: My favorite Rangers was Nick Fotiu for obvious reasons. He was from Staten Island and was a crowd favorite. Second favorite was Ron Greschner.
KM: You’ve previously worked with Vincent Viola (Chairman, Principal Owner of the Florida Panthers & Governor of SSE) at Virtu Financial, an electronic trading firm and market maker which recently went public. What’s your relationship like with Mr. Viola and how did the opportunity come about to purchase the Panthers?
DC: Vinnie is my friend first and business partner second. We met about 10 years ago and I had the privilege to represent him and his companies as a lawyer. He was kind enough to ask me to join him in business in 2007 and we started Virtu together in 2008. We’ve talked for years about owning a sports team together and hockey was a natural fit since we both love the sport. I’ve had a home in South Florida for nearly 10 years and had been to a handful of Panthers games as a fan. Vinnie met the Commissioner in the spring of 2013 when he was told the Panthers might be available and so we jumped at the opportunity.
KM: Last summer, your first off-season with the team, the Florida Panthers made an absolute splash at free agency signing 6 players to a total of $60.4 million. With the team already re-signing Jagr this off-season, fans are eager to know what’s next? Can we expect the Panthers to continue to be a salary cap team? Or will be there be an internal budget with increased reliance on the Panthers strong base of prospects to step up into NHL roles?
DC: I’m going to deflect on this one somewhat as I like to have Dale answer all hockey questions. We’ve given Dale ample resources to build a winner. We have a super talented AHL team and so you want to be cognizant that winners are built internally and you want to give guys like Howden, Wilson, Grimaldi, Rau, etc a legit shot to make the NHL team over time. Whether that is next year or not is really up to Dale.
KM: How would you describe ownership’s involvement in hockey decision?
DC: We pride ourselves on being hands on, informed but deferential. Dale and the scouts have been in hockey for 40+ years in many cases and so we defer to that experience. But we want to know about the character of a player and how they will fit into the culture we are building here in South Florida. Take a Willie Mitchell. We heard that Willie was a quality, plays his hardest every night defenseman. Dale to his credit said he was a man of character and a leader. Boy was that a great assessment.
KM: Recently, Peter Luukko was appointed as Executive Chairman with the Panthers after working with the Flyers for over 25 years as President & Chief Operating Officer of Comcast-Spectator. With the Florida Panthers greatly improving their on-ice performance this season, how instrumental is Peter Luukko in boosting the Panthers off the ice with their visibility in South Florida?
DC: It’s just huge. Peter is a pro, been in the business forever as you note. Peter will join charity boards, meet with community leaders and really be our presence day to day in South Florida. His impact is being felt already.
KM: What is Mr. Luukko’s relationship with you and the organization like?
DC: Perfect. Peter gets Vinnie and myself very well and we clicked immediately. He had us at “hello”.
KM: While we’re on the topic of the South Florida market, how are things progressing in the ongoing negotiations with Broward County regarding a possible modification to the lease at BB&T Center?
DC: I’ve said I will not comment publicly on anything related to Broward County other than to say that in my 25 years as a lawyer and now a businessman, I’ve always felt that reasonable people, cooperating and acting in good faith can make fair long term deals. The folks at Broward County are our partners and our friends and we want to play hockey here for a long, long time.
KM: This season, the Panthers really stepped up their social media game with such events as Panthers Palooza, Goal of a Lifetime, Mullet Night in Sunrise, and Fan Appreciation Night. How important is cultivating a social media following to building the Panthers fan base? Can Panthers fans expect more fun and games on social media next season?
DC: It’s huge. The manner in which all sports teams and other entertainment properties interact with fans is not just thru static billboards and TV and radio ads but through social media. It brings fans closer to the players and the organization to see Jimmy Hayes hanging out with his niece in Ft. Lauderdale. Same with some of the events we set up this year. I’m a big fan and active participant on social media and it has honestly been an honor to meet and interact with the many great fans of the team through Twitter. So for sure we will have a Pantherspalooza Part Deux and likely something with my boys the Travelling Jagrs because I want to have a few with them and then some new events.
KM: Florida hasn’t had a third jersey since 2011-2012, when the team retired it’s two-toned blue alternate jersey. With the team’s select use of a stunning camouflage jersey this season, fans are curious to see what’s next. Can we expect the team to have a third jersey in the near future? With teams like Anaheim and Arizona bringing back their 90s looks on a limited basis in recent years, could we see the Panthers follow suit?
DC: Again, I can’t comment but let’s just say that Vinnie in particular is a big believer in some changes…..(that’s foreshadowing….).
KM: Final Question: You’re allowed to create a dream team of your all-time favorite NHL players. Who would be your perfect team of 3 Forwards, 2 Defenseman, and 1 Goalie?
DC: Barkov, Huberdeau, Jagr, Ekblad, Campbell and Luongo. Next year’s starters. My dream team.
KM: Thank you for your time, Mr. Cifu. We sincerely appreciate it.
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Questions were compiled by “The Sunshine Skate” staff. All Questions/Answers are unedited.
Interview was conducted via e-mail on 4/22/15.
Kris M. can be reached for contact on Twitter or via email at thesunshineskate@gmail.com.
