When most people hear the word “billeting,” they usually have one of two reactions:
“What’s a billet?”
Or…
“Is that some kind of hockey thing?”
The answer is yes—it is a hockey thing—but it’s also so much more than that.
Billeting is one of the biggest reasons junior hockey exists. Every season, hundreds of young athletes leave home to chase their dreams, and they need caring families to help make that journey possible. That’s where billet families come in.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to host a player, here’s everything you need to know.
So… What Is Billeting?
Think of it as being a home away from home for a young athlete.
A billet family opens their home to a junior hockey player during the season, providing a safe, welcoming place to live while the athlete focuses on school, hockey, and personal growth.
You’re not adopting another teenager.
You’re simply becoming an important part of their support system.
Most players are between 16 and 20 years old and have moved hundreds—or even thousands—of miles from home to pursue opportunities they couldn’t find where they grew up.
What Does a Billet Family Actually Do?
Honestly?
A lot of what you’re already doing.
Billet families provide:
- A furnished bedroom
- Meals and snacks
- Laundry access
- Transportation help when needed
- Encouragement after tough games
- Someone to celebrate the big wins with
In return, you gain another family member for the season.
Many billet families say it feels like having an older son or daughter around the house—one who happens to carry a hockey bag everywhere.
Do You Have to Know Hockey?
Not even a little.
Some of the best billet families have never played hockey.
Players aren’t looking for someone to break down game film over dinner. They’re looking for a caring home where they can relax, recharge, and feel supported.
If you know how to make someone feel welcome, you’re already off to a great start.
What Is Life Like with a Player?
Imagine having another teenager in the house…
…except this one voluntarily goes to bed early because they have practice.
Players spend much of their time at school, the rink, traveling with the team, working out, or studying.
When they’re home, you’ll probably find them:
- Eating (they’re always hungry)
- Watching sports
- Doing homework
- Hanging out with your family
- Sleeping after long road trips
They’re busy, respectful, and incredibly focused on achieving their goals.
Will We Become Close?
Probably more than you expect.
Many billet families begin the season thinking they’re simply helping a player.
By the end of the year, they’re celebrating birthdays together, sharing holidays, cheering from the stands, and wondering how the house suddenly became so quiet after the season ends.
It’s not uncommon for billet families and players to stay connected for years—even attending weddings, graduations, and family celebrations long after hockey is over.
What’s In It for Your Family?
Besides having front-row seats to an exciting hockey season?
Quite a bit.
Billeting gives your family the opportunity to:
- Meet people from different states and countries.
- Teach young adults valuable life lessons.
- Build lifelong friendships.
- Make a meaningful impact on someone’s future.
- Become an important part of your local hockey community.
Many families say their children especially enjoy having a player around. Younger kids often gain a role model, while older kids enjoy having another sibling to cheer on.
Is It a Big Commitment?
Like any worthwhile experience, it does require commitment.
But it doesn’t require perfection.
Players understand they’re joining an existing household. They simply appreciate consistency, communication, and kindness.
Every family has different schedules, traditions, and routines—and that’s perfectly okay.
The best billet homes aren’t the fanciest ones.
They’re the ones where players feel welcome.
Why Billet Families Matter
Behind every successful junior hockey player is a network of people helping them along the way.
Parents.
Coaches.
Teachers.
Teammates.
And billet families.
By opening your home, you’re giving a young athlete the chance to pursue college hockey, develop as a person, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Your support may be one of the reasons they achieve their dreams.
That’s a pretty incredible legacy.
Could Your Family Be a Great Fit?
If you have a spare bedroom, a caring heart, and room at the dinner table, you might already have everything it takes.
You don’t need hockey experience.
You don’t need a perfect house.
You simply need a willingness to make someone feel at home.
For one season, you have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a young athlete’s life.
And don’t be surprised if they end up making just as much of a difference in yours.
After all, the best part of billeting isn’t just helping build a hockey player.
It’s gaining another member of the family.
