Royals announce “Bird and Berbs Podcast”

Equipment Manager Jason “J Bird” MacDonald and Athletic Trainer Sean “Berbs” Berberich are hosts

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, announced Friday the team will launch the “Bird and Berbs Podcast” on Sept. 4. The podcast will be hosted by Royals Equipment Manager Jason “J Bird” MacDonald and Sean “Berbs” Berberich. The show will take an inside-the-locker-room look at the Royals as they prepare for the 2018-19 season. Voice of the Royals David Fine will also be a contributor to the show.

Fans will be able to listen to the show through iTunes and Google Play, with additional listening links provided on social media and to the Royals Fan Email listserv.

“Jason and Sean are two of the most important people in the Royals organization,” Fine said. “We are really happy they will be able to share unique stories about their time with Reading. Be prepared for a few laughs along the way!”

MacDonald is entering his fourth season as the Royals Equipment Manager and has worked in hockey operations for 18 years. The Detroit, MI native was an assistant equipment manager with the NHL’s Florida Panthers from 2009-14. Prior to that, he was Head Equipment Manager for the Florida Everblades from 2006-09 and helped the team to the Brabham Cup in 2008-09. His ECHL teams have made the playoffs all six seasons he has been the head equipment manager.

Berberich starts his third season with the Royals in 2018-19. Before his time with Reading, Berberich was an athletic trainer with the Evansville Icemen. He also has hockey experience with the Washington Capitals and Charlotte Checkers. The Longwood University graduate has a master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a specialty in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention.

Season tickets and mini-plans are on sale by calling 610-898-7825 (PUCK).

First Home Game Oct. 13The Royals will open the 2018-19 regular season at Santander Arena on Sat., Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. vs. the Worcester Railers. The home opener will feature a special Block Party and “Red Carpet” presentation for the team.

About the RoyalsThe Royals have been owned by serial entrepreneur Jack Gulati since 2014 and are entering their 18th ECHL season. Proudly affiliated with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Reading plays in the Santander Arena, located in downtown Reading, PA at 700 Penn Street. The Royals won the Kelly Cup in 2013, have made the playoffs in nine straight seasons and are four-time division champions.