Another front office member bolts as The New York Islanders over the weekend inked a deal with former Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant Equipment Manager, Jason Berger.
Berger has been with the Lightning as the assistant equipment manager for the last eight seasons since 2017. He was a part of two Stanely Cup Champion teams and per reports, his energy and excitement in the locker room was infectious and a big part of helping set the tone for the Lightning off the ice. He is known for having a great work ethic, focusing on attention to detail, and his professionalism and consistency in the way he works.
Equipment managers are a crucial part of game days for teams and serve a very important role in making sure all of the players have what they need to play their best in each game. Nothing can be missing, everything must be in the players’ lockers on game day. Their role includes making sure everything gets packed for away games, so attention to detail, as Berger is known for, is crucial.
Berger now joins his former Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations, Mathieu Darche who joined the Islanders’ front office staff in May when he too was offered a higher role, going from Assistant General Manager with the Lightning to General Manager and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations of the Islanders. Berger will also receive a promotion going from Assistant Equipment Manager with the Lightning to Head Equipment Manager of the Islanders.
Prior to joining the Lightning, Berger spent time with the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) as their Head Equipment Manager, Providence Bruins (AHL) as the Head Equipment Manager, and the Florida Everblades (ECHL) in the same role.
He will now get his first shot as a head equipment manager for an NHL team with joining the Islanders as Darche continues to make moves in the Islanders’ front office, including this big move to steal Berger from the Lightning.