Boston Junior Rangers
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New Hampshire Lakers
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New Jersey Junior Titans
New York Bobcats
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Philadelphia Little Flyers
Walpole Express
Washington Junior Nationals
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
JOB OPENINGS
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
BILLET OPENINGS
NEW HAMPSHIRE LAKERS
Many players leave home to play Junior hockey when they are 17-20 years old. A host family, or “billet” is where a player lives during the season. This is a player’s home-away-from-home and the Lakers need help from families in the community to provide homes from these players!
Hosting an athlete is an exciting and rewarding experience. When a family makes the choice to welcome a young athlete into their home, or more importantly, into their family, they have the opportunity to establish a wonderful friendship, while making a difference in the athlete's life.
Host families learn first-hand about the different lifestyle and culture the athlete has grown up in. The host family and athlete share the evolving process of bringing the world closer together through sharing and friendship. Like an student exchange program, the Leafs are always in need of families willing to open their heart and home to a developing athlete and are interested in taking a supporting role in the player's overall development. Both get memories lasting a lifetime. Host families are the backbone of any team with out of town players. So much of the success is dependent on the environment created for the athletes by these very special families.
What is a normal host family?
A host family comes in many variations. There are different types of families, including single mothers or fathers with or without children at home, older couples with no children at home, and families with children at home. All must meet the minimum standard requirements by being able to provide a warm home and meals. Families should treat the athlete as they would one of their own children. These athletes become like one of their own and it will be something that the families enjoy doing year after year.
Testimonials
My husband and I have been enjoying this experience for the past few years. Being able to lend a hand in helping a young adult reach their goals is a very rewarding feeling. We appreciate the friendships we have gained from being involved also. It is a great experience for our children too. With them seeing these boys play something that means a great deal to them, it shows our kids that if you work hard and keep at it that one day they can do what they love also. They are very positive role models for them.
Alicia
I really enjoy living with my host family, they are my second family. When I am not with the team, I enjoy spending time with my host family and being a big brother to their son. I am certain my experience playing for the Leafs would not have been the same without the support and care of my host family.
Stephen
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE AN INFORMATION FORM SO WE CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR INTEREST IN
NEW JERSEY JUNIOR TITANS
Host Families for Titans Players
Each year we offer the opportunity for players from out-of-the-area and even out of the country to play Ice Hockey in New Jersey at the AAA & JR level. In order to offer this opportunity we need families willing to host these “billet” players from the end of August through mid- February.
From a personal perspective, as a hosted player in the past, I am still in contact with my billet family. They call me their “adopted son” and I enjoy hearing from them as much as they like hearing about how I have moved forward in my professional and personal life. Not only did I enjoy the experience but, it prepared their own son when he ventured off to junior hockey and became a “billet player” himself.
Here are some questions you may have before deciding if billeting is for you:
What are the host family’s responsibilities?
Provide the player with a “room” for them to sleep and do homework. Player can share a room with another player. Host family is to provide meals for the player. The player can and should make their own breakfast and lunches. If the player is unable to sit down to dinner with the family due to practices, family should keep left-overs for the player to heat up when he gets home.
What are the player’s responsibilities?
The players will have their own personal care items, cell phone, laptops and provide for their own transportation. They must follow all the team and house rules and show respect for other family members. They must keep their room/space clean and do their own laundry.
How long does the billet season last?
Typically the season last from mid-August to March. Depending on how far the team goes in the playoffs.
Is there compensation to the host family?
Yes, there is a monthly billeting check that will help offset the cost of meals and other expenses.
Can a family host more than one player?
Yes!
Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested.
If you are interested in billeting a player or know someone who is, please contact
George Haviland - Housing Coordinator at: havs11@aol.com
NEW YORK BOBCATS
Looking for Billets
For the 2012-2013 Season
The Bobcats are looking for families to take players in for next season. Form a bond with a player that will last a lifetime.
Tuition Remission is offered as compensation for billeting a player.
Please contact the office if you have interest or any questions about this program.
NORTHERN CYCLONES
Each season the Cyclones recruit talented junior hockey players who show great potential to play at the college level, and beyond, who do not live within a reasonable driving distance of the Cyclones Arena. To take advantage of this great opportunity, the players need families willing to share their homes, and become a “home away from home” for them. The importance of the billet families to the Cyclones organization is immeasurable.
Many of our billet families have done this for dozens of players from all over the United States, Canada and Europe through the past 9 years. These boys, ages ranging from 16-20, have been able to complete their high school educations, take classes in local colleges, or hold part time jobs while pursuing their hockey opportunities and dreams. In most cases, very strong bonds are made between the player and his billet family as well as with the player’s family. These relationships will often carry on for many years after the player has left the team. Often billet families can be seen following the player in his future career be it college, semi-pro or pro. Our players have proven to be great role models for younger children in the billet family, as they demonstrate hard work and determination to achieve tough goals.
What is expected of the host family? The player needs a room of his own, or can share with a team member. He needs a bed, bureau, closet space and a desk or table and chair. While players are expected to provide bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones, media equipment and take care of their own transportation needs (most have their own vehicle). The family also needs to make food available throughout the day. For example: a basic breakfast, sandwich meats/leftovers at lunch and an evening meal if he’s home and you’re cooking! While on the road, players will take care of their own food expenses.
What is expected of the players? They must adhere to all team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members. Your generosity will not be taken for granted.
WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON KNIGHTS
Host Families
Each season the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Knights will recruit talented players who show great potential to play at the college hockey level, who do not live within a reasonable driving distance of the Revolution Ice Centre. To take advantage of this great opportunity, the players need families willing to share their homes, and become a “home away from home” for them. Many families have done this for dozens of players from many states.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE HOST FAMILY?
The player needs a room of his own, or can share with a team member. He needs a bed, bureau, closet space. Players are expected to provide bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones, and take care of their own transportation needs. The family also needs to provide the players with three meals a day: a basic breakfast, lunch and an evening meal.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE PLAYERS?
The player must obey all team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members. They need to take care of their own belongings.
HOW LONG IS A HOST FAMILY’S COMMITMENT?
This varies depending on the player. Some are with the family during the hockey season only. Others need to complete the school year. Families will receive a monthly billeting payment for each player which is $400.00 a month. Some have found it easier to house two players as they then travel together and are company for each other. Host families have included traditional 2-parent families, single-parent families and “empty-nesters” too. All that’s really needed is the willingness to help a player pursue his dreams by providing them a “home away from home.”
For more information, please click here: 2013-2014 Housing Information
Yours In Hockey,
Tom Kowal
Billet Coordinator
tkowal@wbsknights.com - 570-883-1100