**Host/Billet a Seahawks Player**
"Our experience as a billet/host family has enabled us to form lifelong friendships with the players and their families. It's enhanced the experience for our daughter who loves hockey and who continues to grow in the sport due to the support of the players and their enthusiasm of having a little billet sister. The experience is overwhelmingly great and I recommend it for all families." ~ The Fellows Family
Each season the Seahawks recruit talented junior hockey players, from all over the world, who show great potential to play at the college level, and beyond. These players often do not live within driving distance of Cape Cod, MA. For these players to take advantage of an opportunity to advance their hockey careers, players need families who are willing to share their homes, and allow it to become a "home away from home". In essence, the importance of billet families is immeasurable to the Seahawks organization.
Players range in age from 16-20 and are required to take classes in local colleges or hold part-time jobs while pursuing their hockey goals.
The relationships that are built between billet families and players often carry on for many years and billet families are often seen following players as they advance into their college careers.
Our players have proven to be great role models for younger children in their billet families, as they demonstrate hard work and determination while striving to reach their goals. They truly become a part of their billet families.
What is expected of the billet family?
- The player will need a room of their own or can share with another team member.
- Each room will need a bed, bureau, and closet space.
- Families are NOT required to cook for the player each day but are asked to welcome players to meals being cooked by the family when available. If not cooking make sure food is available for them to cook.
What is expected of the player?
- Players will provide their own bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones, media equipment, and transportation.
- Players will eat on their own when meals are not available.
- Players will clean up after themselves.
- Players MUST adhere to all team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members.
How long is a host family's commitment?
This will vary depending on the player. Some are with the family during the hockey season only. Other need to complete the school year. Some players go home for the weekend as often as the game schedule permits and ALL players go home over holiday breaks unless they are from outside the US and unable.
What do billet families receive?
Aside from the bond that is created between players and their billet families, they will also receive a monthly payment for each player they house. Many have found it easier to house two players as they can travel together as well as keeping each other company.
Billet families have included traditional two-parent families, single-parent families, and "empty-nesters".
If you are interested in being a billet, please contact Coach Zaniboni at Coach.zaniboni@gmail.com
Your willingness to share your home and family is all it takes to make a difference in a player's life.
** What our Families Say **
If I can host a junior player for the first time during a pandemic, I can do anything! It's not nor ever will it be about the money, the experience is priceless.
These boys come into your home, as strangers. Enjoy them, make lasting memories with them, because when they leave they take a little part of your heart with them.
"I always wanted brothers and it was fun until they tortured me. "
~ Carter Age 9
It was fun to watch their games.
~AnnaLeigh, Age 11
