Retired US Iraq War General Trades Tanks For Hockey Sticks

SUNRISE, FL — Former U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, who is credited with helping to take down and capture Saddam Hussein, has apparently traded in tanks for hockey sticks and battlefields for ice rinks. Odierno joined the Florida Panthers hockey club on Thursday as chairman and "alternate governor" to the team. He was named by team owner Vincent J. Viola, who was himself nominated by President Trump to serve as secretary of the Army before withdrawing from consideration.

“General Odierno is an accomplished diplomat, general, sportsman, business executive and a bona fide American hero,” Viola said in a statement announcing the appointment. “Over the years he’s advised me on many of my business ventures. Since March, General Odierno has worked with me to chart a course forward for the Panthers organization. His vision and advice have been instrumental in empowering Dale’s leadership and providing our hockey operations department with the necessary tools to get us moving in a championship direction again.”

Odierno stirred the pot during his final Pentagon news briefing in August 2015 when he suggested that sectarian rifts in Iraq might lead to the country being partitioned into Sunni, Shia and Kurdish sectors, according to Military.com.

“General Odierno is a leader of men and a patriot who has helped us move forward with a singular voice in hockey operations,” added Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Dale Tallon. “He’s proven himself to be a wise and insightful leader and communicator. I’m excited to continue to partner with a gentleman like General Odierno as we pursue our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup home to South Florida.”

The 63-year-old Odierno was the 38th Army chief of staff who commanded the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Iraq from 2010 to 2011. He erved as command general from 2008 to 2010 and commanding general, III Corps from May 2006 to May 2008.

A graduate of West Point, Odierno is only the second American military officer to command at the division, corps and army level during the same conflict since the Vietnam War. During his 39 years of service, he served in Germany, Albania, Kuwait, Iraq and the United States.

“From the moment I first began my audit of the Panthers organization at Vinnie’s behest, I knew that Dale’s leadership was of paramount importance to the future of this franchise,” Odierno said referring to team's general manager. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Dale, the team of high-character players that he’s assembled and Head Coach Bob Boughner as the Panthers work toward our goal of winning the Stanley Cup.”

In his new role, Odierno will serve as a senior consultant on hockey and business matters. The team's senior leadership group also includes Tallon and President and CEO Matthew Caldwell.

The Panthers were scheduled to host the St. Louis Blues at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the BB&T Center. The team opened its 2017-2018 season last weekend with a 1-1 split with Tampa Bay.

For ticket information call 954-835- PUCK (7825) or visit FloridaPanthers.com/TicketCentral.

Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno speaks during his final news briefing,Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)