Pittsburgh Penguins: The Eight Winners of the Team's Annual Awards

Prior to Sunday's afternoon matchup with the Florida Panthers, the Pittsburgh Penguins held their annual team awards ceremony at CONSOL Energy Center.

For the second consecutive year I was able to attend the ceremony that honors players for their actions both on and off the ice.

The Penguins wore their light blue retro-alternate jerseys for the special presentation and it was an extra treat for fans who happened to have tickets to the game.

For those fans who weren't able to witness or watch the proceedings, I've compiled a recap of the award winners.

1. A.T. Caggiano Memorial Booster Club Cup

The A.T. Caggiano Memorial Booster Club Cup is sponsored by the Penguins Booster Club and was presented to Penguins' goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury, by members Melinda Harty and Maureen Martin.

The award is given in memory of A.T. Caggiano, a long time Pens locker room attendant and supporter of the Booster Club.

After every home game the Booster Club members vote for the three stars. Prior to the awards ceremony the votes for every player are tallied up and the winner is chosen for the award.

2. Michel Briere Memorial Trophy

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 13: Mark Letestu #10 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Edmonton Oilers on March 13, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Michel Briere scored 44 points in his debut season with the Penguins in 1969, which was sadly his only NHL season.

Briere tragically passed away in a car accident in 1970, and now the Michel Briere Memorial Trophy is essentially the Penguins Rookie of the Year award.

It is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and given to a player who makes a substantial contribution in his rookie season, just as Briere did.

The award was presented by Executive VP Tom Kerr and his son Andrew.

This year's honoree was Mark Letestu who had 12 goals for the Pens.

3. Players' Player

The winner of this award is decided by a player vote based on dedication to teamwork and leadership on and off the ice.

Brooks Orpik was presented the award by David Soltesz, the president of the sponsor, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, and season ticket holder, Andrew Manion.

4. "Baz" Bastien Memorial Good Guy Award

Abert Wright, the Vice President of the sponsor UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, presented the award to Mike Rupp on behalf of the Hockey Writers Association because of his cooperation with the local media throughout the season.

The award is in memory of former Penguins general manager Aldege Bastien.

5. NHL Masterton Trophy Nominee

Deryk Engelland was named the Penguins representative for the NHL's Masterton Trophy.

The Pittsburgh chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association chose him based on perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

The award was sponsored by Trib Total Media and presented by two of its leaders, Jenifer Bertetto and Lindsay Berdell.

6. Defensive Player

Brooks Orpik was deemed the Penguins best defensive player of the season.

He was presented the award by Dave Klasnick, the Executive Vice President of the sponsor PNC.

7. Community Service

The Edward J. Debartolo Memorial Community Service Award was shared by Mike Rupp and Max Talbot.

Sponsored by Verizon, the award recognizes players who have dedicated a considerable amount of time to community and charity projects during the course of the season.

Both players worked with a Haitan orphanage on a missions trip last August.

8. Most Valuable Player

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 27: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save against Mike Santorelli #13 of the Florida Panthers during the shootout at Consol Energy Center on March 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated t

Marc-Andre Fleury was named the Penguins most valuable player for his overall contribution to the team.

The award is sponsored by CONSOL Energy Inc. and was presented by Jerry Richey, the Executive Vice President.

For a detailed account of Fleury's MVP day, check out my article: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/647274-marc-andre-fleury-makes-it-clear-his-team-mvp-award-was-well-deserved