Matthew Schaefer wasn’t the only NY Islanders award winner this summer

Matthew Schaefer may have been the only member of the New York Islanders organization to take home an individual NHL award this summer, but he was not the only reason the franchise earned recognition.

The Calder Trophy winner was everywhere during his rookie season. Schaefer delivered on the ice, embraced every moment away from it and quickly became one of the most marketable young players in hockey, if not all of professional sports.

The Islanders knew exactly what they had, and their public relations staff made the most of it.

The Professional Hockey Writers Association named the Islanders the 2025 Eastern Conference recipient of the Dick Dillman Award, presented annually for excellence by an NHL public relations staff. The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars shared the honor in the Western Conference.

The Islanders’ communications department was led by Senior Vice President of Communications Kimber Auerbach, Senior Director of Communications and Team Services Jesse Eisenberg and Communications Coordinator Samantha Levin. Auerbach also recognized assistants Olivia Martone, Maura Conway, Mallory Kinahan and Daniel Klein for their contributions.

“The true credit belongs to the dedication and partnership shown by our players and coaching staff on a daily basis,” Auerbach said, also crediting the organization for creating an environment based on openness, trust and accessibility.

That accessibility mattered even more during Schaefer’s breakout season.

Every interview, community appearance and behind-the-scenes moment gave fans another reason to connect with the rookie defenseman. Schaefer’s personality made the job easier, but the Islanders’ staff consistently put him in positions where his charisma, maturity and enthusiasm could shine.

Schaefer earned the Calder Trophy with what he did on the ice. The Islanders’ communications team earned its own recognition by making sure everyone also saw who he was away from it.

For once, the Islanders had one of hockey’s brightest assets and they treated him like one.

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