Flyers’ PR legend Zack Hill calling it a career

Zack Hill (right) has led the Flyers' award-winning press box for three decades.
      The Flyers have the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history but they have had the No. 1 public relations expert for much of that successful run.
      Zack Hill, the team’s senior director of communications, announced he is retiring from his official duties with the team on July 1. He will remain with the team one more year as a consultant.
      He began his career with the Flyers in the public relations department back in 1993.
      “Zack is the epitome of a true professional and since I arrived with the Flyers I have seen firsthand what makes him one of the best in the industry,” said general manager Chuck Fletcher. “No request was too big or too small for him to give you his full attention. Zack’s immediate instinct is always to lend a hand and provide help to anyone who asks, often sacrificing his own time, whether it was for the players, coaches, media and more importantly, the community.”
      No doubt Hill will be missed by media both in Philadelphia and around the NHL. Under his watch, the Flyers have won “best press box’’ awards on multiple occasions.
      “What makes the Philadelphia Flyers one of the proudest and most revered franchises in all of sports is the great people who have represented the Orange and Black, on and off the ice, and Zack Hill is unquestionably one of those people,” said Flyers governor Dave Scott.
“I got to know Zack quickly after joining the Flyers organization, and he has been an invaluable advisor for me and many others.  Most importantly, though, his incredible work ethic, professionalism, and famous kindness have made him a beloved figure throughout our organization and among the press corps.  Zack will always be part of the Flyers organization, and we are thrilled that he has agreed to serve as a consultant for us throughout the next year as he begins his well-deserved retirement.”
      Former Flyers team president, general manager, coach and player Paul Holmgren said Hill has to be one of the most well-liked individuals in team history.
      “I am fortunate to have known Zack for all of his years with the Flyers and have developed a close relationship with him. Zack has been, and always will be, a devoted member of the Philadelphia Flyers and a true friend to me,” said Holmgren, now a senior advisor for the team. “I don’t think there’s a person who doesn’t agree that he is one of the best at his position, but what truly makes Zack such a special individual is his nature of treating everyone he meets with kindness and taking a genuine interest in their life and how he can help.”
      The 2021-22 season was Hill’s 29th with the Flyers organization having previously served as the team’s media relations manager and public relations director. He oversaw all aspects of the team’s public relations and media relations efforts during his tenure.
      Under Hill’s direction, the Flyers PR staff won the Dick Dillman Award for the Eastern Conference, given annually by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association to the top PR staff in each NHL conference on three occasions (2011-12, 2014-15 & 2017-18) and have been finalists for the award 12 times.
      He was honored on May 2 of this year by the Philadelphia Sports Writers’ Association as the recipient of the Association’s “Good Guy” Award and in April of 2014, Hill was inducted into the Jasper N. Deahl Honors Society at West Virginia University. The group is an alumni recognition program sponsored by the CEHS Alumni Association designed to honor alumni for career achievement, community engagement, and/or loyalty to WVU. Hill holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University.
      Prior to joining the Flyers, Hill was the public relations director for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1989-93 and assistant public relations director from 1987-89. He joined the 76ers as an intern in January 1987.
      Joe Siville, currently serving as director of public relations, is being promoted to senior director of hockey communications.
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About Wayne Fish 2387 Articles
Wayne Fish has been covering the Flyers since 1976, a stint which includes 18 Stanley Cup Finals, four Winter Olympics and numerous other international events.