Natives hope to secure additional billet families
- Details
- Published on Thursday, August 13, 2015
By Eoin Devereux
The Neepawa Banner
The Neepawa Natives are looking for a few more families to provide a home away from home for young hockey players. With the start of the 2015-2016 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season quickly approaching, the organization has put out a call for additional billets.
As part of the program, all out-of-town players that secure a roster spot with the MJHL club will be provided with room and board during the season. Many local businesses also sometimes assist with part-time jobs for the players that fit within the other time demands they deal with, such as practice, school as well as road and home games.
Program coordinator Mary Ellen Clark said the importance of the billet families to the hockey team is immeasurable. She added that it can be a rewarding opportunity for the family as well.
“Billeting can be a very exciting experience for all those willing to open up their homes,” said Clark. “Many families who have done this in the past look back at their experience with fond memories.”
Clark noted that several new families have stepped up to support the hockey club this year by offering a bed, meals and most importantly, emotional support.
“We have five new families that have come on board this year. That’s great to see. At the same time, we have had some other families who have been a part of the program for several years, step away from billeting. They’re still very much involved with the club and willing to help out in many other ways, but are taking a break from billeting. So that’s opened up a few spaces,” stressed Clark.
For the 2015-2016 season, there have been some adjustments made to the financial support which are provided to billet families. The per diem provided by the team has been increased from $300 per month to $350 per month per player. As well, family passes to the Neepawa Natives regular season home games at the Yellowhead Centre will also be provided. These game day passes cover the immediate billet family (mother, father and children).
Clark noted that another option that is available is billeting on a temporary basis, which involves sharing their homes for a four to five week interval. She said this would give curious families an opportunity to see actually what it’s like to become involved with the initiative.
Clark concluded by adding that in most cases, very strong bonds are made between the player and his billet family, as well as the player’s family.
“It can be a very rewarding opportunity for anyone, because you become involved with the hockey player, his family. These relationships can extend for years afterwards,” said Clark. “These young men range in age from 16-20 years old, many are away from home for the first time and are adjusting to a higher level of hockey, new school and an unfamiliar community, all without the support of their family or friends. With all of these sources of stress, the role of the billet is a critical one,”
Anyone interested in learning more about the billet program is asked to contact Mary Ellen Clark at (204) 476-6077 or Neepawa Natives general manager Myles Cathcart at (204) 841-1555.
People wishing to get involved with billeting can also get additional information via email, by contacting the hockey club at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
