Billeting, what an adventure. This is the first year my husband and I decided it was time to give back to hockey and billet players. We have welcomed two players, both 18 years old, into our home. Our son has been playing for three years away from home and we always appreciated the families who billeted our player. Our player has an amazing billet this season, not only is he housing our son but he is a great mentor and a great influence in his life overall.
Of course, we were nervous about billeting, what were the personality of the players we would receive, how old would they be, are they independent, will they get along, etc. It has quickly become a great experience for us. With our only child far away playing out his dream, we get to watch the two boys in our home live out their dreams. It kind of gives my husband and me a new sense of purpose as empty nesters. We are very blessed and thankful for our billet players, they are great young men.
We decided to take an active role as billets, we learned a lot over the years on what to do and what not to do. We are not the type that limits the boys. Our home is their home and our pantry is their pantry. It was important to us to have our new “sons” feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. We believe we accomplished that.
We have personally had a couple of nightmares over the years with our son’s billets. We actually had him moved out of one house because it was not a good situation. What I do know is that if you are going to welcome someone into your home, then you welcome them with open arms. Not with limitations about what they can eat, what they can’t eat, where they can spend their time in the home and where they cannot. That is crazy.
Billets, if you are billeting for the money, please do not do it. It is not a money making proposition. News Flash: 18 yearr old hockey players eat A LOT, take a lot of showers and wash a lot of clothes. If you are going to Billet, you need to do it because you want to make a difference in a young person’s life. Be a positive experience for them. They will remember you for life.
We believe we are being positive role models, our players have their own bedrooms, a private TV room and a many other amenities for them to be comfortable. I cook dinner every evening and we all sit down together and talk about our day. We went to their scrimmage game and plan on going to most home games. They are very appreciated of our interaction in their lives and love that we come to their games. It makes them feel like family. They are officially family.
That was our goal, to welcome them into our family and support their dream of playing hockey. We are looking forward to an amazing season.
I highly recommend billeting, if you are doing it for the right reasons. Because if it is just for the income, you are doing a disservice to the players, the team and yourselves.
Hockey Mom.
