Billeting is when a junior hockey player, typically aged 17-21, lives with a host family during the hockey season. This arrangement is essential for players who move away from home to join a team in a new city.
Junior hockey players travel to join teams away from their hometowns. As they are usually teenagers, they need a place to stay. Host families, also known as billet families, provide a home and support for these players during the hockey season.
Yes, billet families receive a pre-established fee, typically about $500 per month per player. This fee helps cover additional expenses such as food. If hosting more than one player, the payment can be up to $1,000 per month.
The team pays billet families directly. The payment is arranged through the hockey team management.
To become a billet family, reach out to a junior hockey club and apply to host a player.
Yes, families can host up to two players. Each player must have adequate space, including their own bed and storage.
Players usually stay from early September until the end of the hockey season, which is typically March, but can extend into April if the team advances.
Billet families are encouraged to assist if players lack essential items like a winter jacket.
Players are responsible for their own medical insurance and costs. Billet families are not liable for these expenses.
Players are welcome to join billet families for celebrations or activities, though it’s not mandatory. They will have time off during the Christmas holidays.
If a billet family is away, the Billet Coordinator will arrange temporary housing for the player until the family returns.
Efforts are made to match players with compatible families. If issues arise, the Billet Coordinator will work to resolve them and arrange alternative housing if necessary.
The Billet Coordinator, Todd Renae, will be your primary contact for questions and support. He will provide regular check-ins to ensure everything runs smoothly.
