NEW YORK (March 23, 2018) – National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman today released the following statement regarding the passing of Florida Panthers founding owner H. Wayne Huizenga:

"Wayne Huizenga was an entrepreneurial visionary who possessed boundless energy, drive and imagination, a devotion to his community in South Florida and a passion for sports. Those all were vividly reflected in his founding of the Florida Panthers, the construction of a world-class arena in Sunrise and his leadership of the franchise to an appearance in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final in just its third year in existence.

"While Wayne established South Florida as a hockey market, he devoted as much time and effort to education-focused philanthropic efforts that benefited his beloved community in many ways.

"The National Hockey League sends its condolences to his family and to all throughout the sports and business worlds who Wayne touched and inspired – including the countless hockey fans and players throughout Florida who came to the game as a result of his vision."