Dear Billet Families: Why You Matter So Much

Ask a hockey director or coach what he values most on his team, and you’re likely to get great answers:

            Hard work

            Good attitude

            Solid skills

Bet you not one out of a hundred would say “Great billet families.”

Which is funny if you think about it. The boys spend more time with their billets than they do on the ice, at the gym, or on the bus. Their work ethic, attitude, and physical condition are directly affected by the place they’re living, the food they’re eating, and the people they’re around the most.

That would be their billets.

And that’s why you, billet families, are a gem in this crazy system we call hockey.

Heaven knows you’re living right if your monthly stipend happens to cover all the groceries. You’re springing for someone else’s rent. And you’re simultaneously tackling the roles of cook, cleaner, driver, psychologist, tutor, nurse, event planner, career coach, cheerleader… well, you get the idea. (And you don’t get the comparative, composite six-figure salary for your efforts.)

What you do get is that investing time and energy in this unique community does something amazing.

You Add Value To Your Team

When a team has a dedicated group of kind, caring, and responsible people who represent the organization, the team literally gets better. Veteran players want to return. New players are more likely to sign. The fan base gets stronger and the community surrounding the team grows. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that?

Billet families establish serious credibility for their teams. It gives players (and the parents sending them hundreds of miles from home) real reassurance that a team has go its act together.

You Bring Value To Your Billets

It almost goes without saying, but billet families directly impact the ability of players in a game. You influence their rest, their nutrition, their state of mind. In some cases, you’re the reason they get through school or get to the ice on time. Junior hockey really couldn’t exist without you.

It’s because of billet hosts that young hockey players are able to compete at a level they might not find at home. Junior hockey helps players expand their skills by interacting with new coaches and teammates. They grow their skills. And they grow as a person. You are an essential part of making that magic happen.

You Add Value to People’s Lives

Nearly every billet host will say the greatest reward of billeting is the friendships they build. Many last a lifetime. And that positive impact isn’t limited to junior hockey players and their billet families.

Moms and dads of players at home are grateful for their son’s opportunity to follow his dream. They’re even more thankful and relieved to have a safe, trusting home where he can stay. It’s not an easy thing to send a kid away for a season. But there is comfort, thanks to good people who open their doors (and open their hearts).

So a shout-out to you, billet families. The sacrifice is great. But the memories, the friendships, the experiences, and yes…even the hockey…is better because of you.

Thank you.