The Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) has named the Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs as recipients for the 2016-17 Dick Dillman Award for their respective conferences.

The award recognizes public relation staffs which go to extra lengths to help promote and cover their teams as well as the NHL.

The Wild's staff includes:

Aaron Sickman, Director of Media Relations

Carly Peters, Senior Media Relations Coordinator

Megan Kogut, Communications Coordinator

Deb Hanson, Executive Assistant

“We are honored to be recognized by the Professional Hockey Writers Association as a recipient of the Dick Dillman Award this season,” said Sickman. “We are privileged to work with players, coaches and hockey operations personnel who understand the importance of interacting with media throughout the season. We enjoy working with the PHWA and other media members, and assisting with their coverage of the Minnesota Wild.”

The Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars were runners-up in the Western Conference.

The Maple Leafs' staff includes:

Steve Keogh, Director, media relations

Scott McNaughton, Senior manager, media relations

Ian Meagher, Coordinator, media relations

Chris Lund, Coordinator, media relations

"We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the PHWA,” said Keogh. “We greatly value the cooperation and working relationship we have with the media, our players and management team."

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers were runners-up in the Eastern Conference.

Members of the PHWA vote on the award which is named in honor of late Minnesota North Stars public relations extraordinaire Dick Dillman.

Previous winners:

2015-16: Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames

2014-15: Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars

2013-14: Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks

2012-13: Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks

2011-12: Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators

2010-11: Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks

2009-10: Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks

2008-09: Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks

2007-08: Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks

2006-07: Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks

2005-06: Minnesota Wild

2003-04: San Jose Sharks

1998-88: Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers

1995-97: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

1994-95: New Jersey Devils

Dick Dillman Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Tuele (Edmonton Oilers, 2007)