On Saturday, it was confirmed that former Lightning assistant GM Mathieu Darche has hired Jason Berger as the New Islanders new head equipment manager.
Berger spent the past eight seasons with the Lightning as an assistant equipment manager from 2017 to 2025, contributing to the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup wins and leaving a lasting impact on the organization.
Berger's new role with the Islanders marks his first position as a head equipment manager at the NHL level.
As for the Lightning, Colten Wilson will serve as the head equipment manager for the 2025–26 season. Pat Dolan and Brandon Guidotti will both serve as the assistant equipment managers.
Prior to his time with the Lightning, Berger began his career in 2006–07 as the assistant equipment manager for the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins. He then served as head equipment manager for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds from 2007 to 2011. After spending the 2011–12 season with the Florida Everblades, he returned to Providence, where he worked from 2011 to 2017.
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