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The Mysterious Tale of the Tampa Bay Lightning's Japanese Owner

If you haven’t heard the odd and fascinating story of how the Tampa Bay Lightning once had a connection to the Japanese Mafia, then you're in for a gripping tale that walks the line between the worlds of professional sports and organized crime.

A Shift in the NHL Landscape

The narrative begins in 1989, a year when the Calgary Flames floated high after winning the Stanley Cup. The NHL was doing well, but its commissioner, John Ziegler, and the board of directors recognized potential threats from rival hockey leagues. Fearful that other organizations like the WHA could infringe upon their market, the NHL devised a strategy: expansion.