Dear Members of the Italian American Community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to John Viola, and his parents, Vincent and Teresa, owners of the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. The Panthers won their first title in franchise history on June 24 with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the championship series.

It’s especially exciting for all of us to see the Viola family achieve such prominence and success in the sports world because they have been so generous and helpful to the Italian American community. John has truly become one of the most prominent and influential Italian American leaders in our country.