The NHL Panthers on Friday announced the hiring of former Flyers President Peter Luukko, who "came highly recommended" by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, as Exec Chair, according to George Richards of the MIAMI HERALD. Luukko left his position with the Flyers in '13 and also served as Comcast Spectacor COO during his time in Philadelphia. The Panthers "went to Bettman looking for an executive with extensive hockey and building-operating experience to help out the franchise six months ago." Panthers President & CEO Rory Babich, who replaced Michael Yormark last year, "will remain CEO of the organization and will work alongside Luukko." Luukko "is expected to consult on hockey issues" with Panthers Exec VP & GM of Hockey & Business Operations Dale Tallon and the hockey operations side of the organization as well as "restructure the team’s sales staff and help gain more sponsorship dollars as well as season-ticket holders." Luukko "will also help grow business at the BB&T Center as far as concerts and shows go and will be part of the Panthers’ ongoing negotiations with Broward County regarding payment restructuring" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/6). In Philadelphia, Frank Seravalli wrote Luukko with the Panthers "will be counted on to help stop the bleeding." His business experience, "after decades of managing arenas and stadiums ... will certainly help." The Panthers "are believed to keep the bulk of all profits from BB&T Center (including concessions and parking) as well as from other non-hockey events at the arena" (PHILLY.com, 2/5).
