Player Housing – A Rewarding Experience

The player housing (also called billeting) concept is something of a hockey tradition, and is especially important at the junior level of hockey. It involves host families opening their homes to out-of-state or out-of-country players, and provides an opportunity for these young men to pursue the next step in their developing hockey careers. The billet programs also allows some individuals to complete high school educations, take college preparatory classes, and pursue part-time employment in the local community.

The Phoenix Polar Bears are pleased to help coordinate this program for the players, and encourage any families that are interested to read the frequently asked questions below, and fill out the brief questionnaire form.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Billet Program

Q. What is the typical host family?
A. Host families have been traditional 2 parent families, single parent families, and occasionally an “empty nester”.

Q. Can a family host more than one player?
A. Yes! Two (or more) players can share transportation expenses, and often times provide company for one another.

Q. What are the family's responsibilities?
A. Provide the player with their own room, or can share with another player if hosting 2 players. The room should have a bureau, closet space and a desk with a chair. The family also needs to provide meals to the player. Meals will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Q. What are the player's responsibilities?
A. The player will provide their own bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones, TV/computer and provide for their own transportation. They must follow all team and house rules and show respect for other family members. They must take care of their room, including keeping it tidy and doing their own laundry. When traveling (away games), players will be responsible for their own meals.

Q. How long does the billet last?
A. The length of time depends on the family and the individual. Players usually arrive at the end of August or early September, depending if they have to get started in school. The season ends sometime in March, depending on playoffs. Some players stay with a family throughout the hockey season, while others arrange to live with the family throughout the calendar year to satisfy academic or employment obligations. The length of stay is one of the key determining factors we use in matching a family with a player.

Q. Is there compensation to the host family?
A. Yes, families receive a monthly billeting payment for each player. Besides offsetting the expenses a family incurs when hosting a player, the compensation acknowledges the invaluable service families provide to the individual players and the Phoenix Polar Bears organization.

Q. I work full time and cannot always have a meal prepared, is that a problem?
A. Host families are unique and most have their own families to balance. The most important thing is to have nutritious food available to the player and to discuss what works best for them in those situations.

Q. What happens if I need to go away for a period of time?
A. Arrangements can be made with another host family, team mate, or friend from school. The goal is to ensure the player is provided for while you are gone.

Q. Are there other benefits to the host family?
A. Yes! Host families are permitted free admission to all home games! As well as the experience of making a difference in a hockey player’s life! Being a host family is truly rewarding and the players and their families will thank you many times over!