Being a father of two goalies has allowed me the opportunity to grow as a goalie coach and adviser to goalies and their parents. It gives me the emotional experiences that I may miss out on when making suggestions on the decisions a goaltender is faced with. This weekend was no different as my wife and I headed to Michigan to watch our oldest son play a two game home stand with his junior team. We not only watched the games but had time to spend with our sons billet family. This included going out to post game meals, a Sunday breakfast and a visit to his home away from home.
When making the decision to play junior hockey there is so much to consider and the questions are usually the same... How is the team? What league do they play in? What are the chance of being recruited to a college? How much ice time will he get? How is the coaching? The fact that your son will be living in a strangers home usually comes up in the rear although the importance of a billet family can make or break a season. Considering that the junior hockey experience may be for only one or two seasons it is so important to find the right fit.
A billet family hosts one or more players and in return traditionally receives a weekly stipend and free season tickets to the games. The family opens their home and carries the responsibility of having a teenager under their supervision for an entire season. At the end of the day the player usually eats the stipend away so there is really no financial incentive for the host family. The true billet family is inspired to be involved because of the positive relationship they can build with the player and their family and the understanding that they are a big part of the players development. The responsibility is heavy with providing support, structure and accountability while at the same time knowing when to give them some space or a pat on the back.
There are no wins or stats that matter more to a parent than that their son is in a safe place and happy. Spending time with my son's billet family and watching the interaction among my son, the billet parents and their sons, was by far the most important part of the trip. We are so fortunate to have what I would consider the perfect billet situation and I am thankful to them and all the other billet families across the country that truly understand the importance and responsibility of their role in this process. When exploring the junior path the billet situation should be in the forefront of the conversation. A team that can provide a positive billeting experience is surely one that has it's priorities in the right areas. Below are a few articles about billeting that may be helpful.
The generosity of billet families
Five tips to life with your billet family
Hockey Billets. How are they treating your son
Billet FAQ
Avoiding Bitter Billet Battles
Home is where hockey is
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