Royals Promote Jason MacDonald to Head Equipment Manager & Dir. of Hockey Operations, Announce Three Promotions to Front Office

The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, announced the following promotions: Jason MacDonald – Head Equipment Manager & Dir. of Hockey Operations. Chris Hazel – Director of Ticketing. Bryce Witman – Director of Reading Jr. Royals. Amanda Eckert – Corporate Partnership & Special Events Manager.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Reading Royals,” Team President David Farrar stated. “We’re coming off a season where we increased our sales by ​10% and saw growth in both our revenue and attendance. We are excited for the promotions and additions we’ve made for the future.”

MacDonald’s new role will provide oversight of the Reading Royals day-to-day operations, equipment, travel and player housing.

“I would like to thank David and Jason for the opportunity to lead the Royals hockey operations department,” said MacDonald. “I look forward to continuing to provide professional excellence to our players and staff as we carry on with our top priority which is bringing the Kelly Cup back to Penn St.”

A native of Detroit, Michigan, MacDonald has been Reading’s Equipment Manager since the start of the 2015-16 season. In 2018-19, MacDonald was named the ECHL’s Equipment Manager of the Year. The distinction, determined in a vote of the league’s equipment managers and athletic trainers, marked MacDonald’s first and the Royals’ fourth Equipment Manager of the Year selection. MacDonald has worked as an equipment manager since 2000-01, when he started as an assistant for the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. In 2001-02, MacDonald was an assistant equipment manager for the AHL’s Chicago Wolves and the team won the Calder Cup. MacDonald’s experience includes stints in the NHL, AHL, ECHL and CHL.

Hazel’s new role will be to oversee the Royals’ ticketing department. “I am excited and proud to step into the role of Director of Ticketing with the Royals,” said Hazel. “Having started as an intern, this journey has been one of incredible growth and opportunity. I am excited to continue our success and ensure our fans have the best possible experience at the Santander Arena.”

Hazel, a Reading, Pennsylvania native, is entering his 11th season with the Royals. He began his tenure as a merchandise intern in 2014 and started as a full-time member of the Royals in 2016 as a Client Development Executive. Since then, Hazel has received the promotions to a…