Simply put, without the billet families we could not put a team on the ice.

One of the most difficult things for a Junior hockey player is moving away from home.  Much is expected of these players both on and off the ice, and this can create added stress and anxiety for these young men.  The many caring billet families make this transition easier by welcoming the players into their homes.  Often strong bonds are made with the player, as well as his family.  These relationships will often carry on for many years after the player has left the team.

WHAT IS A BILLET FAMILY?

Many people in Miami County would not know the meaning of the word "billet,” unless you are involved with a Junior Hockey program.  Canadian Junior teams have traditionally billeted players throughout their leagues.  The term derives from the French word for "lodging of military personnel, especially in private homes".

Billeting is a great way to meet people.  When you walk in the arena for a Junior A Hockey game you will notice groups of people standing around talking.  These people are usually the billet families talking with other billets and/or the player’s families.

The importance of billet families to our Junior Program is immeasurable.  Part of our commitment to our players and their parents is to help provide them with a good home.  Their time with the billet family is a very important time of their lives.  They are away from their friends and family (often for the first time), so, their billets become their surrogate family. 

When a family volunteers to house a member of the team, they are required to provide room and board for the player.  This includes, providing nutritious food that is available for him to prepare or for the billets to prepare for the player.  In addition, billets must be able to provide the player with his own room, or can share with a fellow team member.  Billets are expected to treat the players as "one of the family" and not just a "renter".  The same goes for the player, which includes daily tasks such as cleaning up after themselves and keeping their room tidy and such.  We have team guidelines and policies that the players must abide by within our organization, and we expect our billet families to uphold and enforce these team rules.  All billet house rules will need to be communicated to the player when he arrives.

How long is a billet family's commitment?  This varies depending on the player; some are with the family during the hockey season which operates from mid August to the end of March.  Players that are still in high school often stay with their billet family until the school year is over in late May.  Throughout the season players try to go home for the weekend as often as the game schedule permits and every player will go home over the holiday breaks.

Families receive a monthly billeting payment for each player.  Some have found it easier to house two(2) players as they then travel together and are company for each other.  There have been some instances when (3) three players, or even (4) , have been welcomed by one family.  Host families have included traditional 2-parent families and "empty nesters".  All that's really needed is a willingness to help a player pursue his dream by providing a "home away from home".

Your willingness to "rise up" and to help these young athletes achieve their goals and aspirations of one day making the professional ranks will be an everlasting experience. By sharing your home, families, and time a billet family will build a lasting relationship with the player, organization, and community.  The player’s gratitude will be immeasurable.