Traditionally, the award recognizes the excellence of one winner in each the Eastern and Western conferences. This year, the selection committee took note of the unusual circumstances presented by the global pandemic and with the NHL's division-based schedule, opted to present four winners in 2021. Other divisional winners included the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Carolina Hurricanes.
This is the first time the Penguins have received this recognition.
"These four staffs stood out among their peers," said PHWA president Frank Seravalli. "Going the extra mile in this Zoom-only environment to facilitate one-on-one interviews, to bring out the extra player in an availability… all to allow our members' coverage at least a fighting chance to appear seamless to the reader."
The Penguins' staff includes:
Jennifer Bullano Ridgley, Vice President, Communications
Evan Schall, Director, Communications
Emma Kilmer, Coordinator, Communications
"The past year has been a challenge for all of us. We are especially honored to receive the recognition this season on behalf of the Penguins' organization," said Bullano Ridgley. "We appreciate the patience and flexibility of the media, as well as our players and coaches."
The Dillman Award is presented annually to honor of the work of the late Minnesota North Stars public relations man Dick Dillman. The committee is chaired by Dillman's daughter, Lisa Dillman, and includes a voting panel of senior members of the PHWA.
