WHAT IS A BILLET? Billet family is a term used in hockey to describe a host family. Billet families are people in the community who have extra room in their hearts and homes to host an Anchorage Wolverines player for the season. Billet families provide a stable, caring, family environment that becomes “home away from home” for these young men as they pursue their junior and collegiate hockey dreams. Players come to Alaska from all over the United States, Canada, and overseas to play for the Wolverines and we need homes from the wonderful Anchorage community to make them feel welcome. Hosting a player often creates a special bond between the players and billet families that will last a lifetime.
WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? Billet families will host a player (or players) ages 16-21 for the hockey season, which typically runs from early August to May. Homes will need to provide a room and meals for players, while treating them like one of their own family during their stay. Players have unusual schedules for practice, physical training, and games/travel, which will be provided for the host family. Players will generally provide their own transportation, but may need to ask for help from time to time. Food needs to be provided by the host families while they’re in Anchorage, but while they are traveling, players take care of their own food expenses. Players are expected to adhere to team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE FAMILIES? Billet families will receive $450 a month per player to offset costs of food and other expenses. Additionally, billet families will receive 2 season tickets to the Anchorage Wolverines home games. The ultimate reward is developing relationships that often carry on for many years, well after the player has left the team. Players often become mentors to younger household members and develop a bond that carries on for a lifetime with the family.
APPLICATION PROCESS – Below is the initial application (which does not commit you at this time). Billet families must pass a criminal background check (per league rules) and a home site inspection. There is an additional questionnaire that will be filled out by both the families and the players to try and pair everyone with the best fit for their individual needs.
Click here to begin the application process!
We hope that the Alaska community can share their hearts and homes with these amazing hockey players. If you have any questions, please contact AUTUMN MAKAR, Anchorage Director of Business Operations at autumn@anchoragewolverines.com
