This is the first of the titles included on my “semi-retired” business card.
Slapshot Supervisor
Being a billet parent is like being a cross between a dorm supervisor, a hockey team cheerleader, and an all-you-can-eat buffet manager. It’s not a job for the faint of heart, but it’s one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and enough hockey talk to last a lifetime. Here’s what it’s like to open your home—and your fridge—to junior hockey players.
What Is a Billet Parent?
We’re not coaches, and we’re not just landlords. A billet parent provides a home for junior hockey players, typically aged 17–20, during their season. These players are chasing their dreams of making it to college hockey and beyond, and we get a front-row seat to their journey. For a small stipend to cover food, water, and endless snacks, we become a temporary family for these young athletes.
Fast Facts About Junior Hockey Players
- Age Range: Most players are 17–20, though some turn 21 during the season.
- Goal-Oriented: Their primary aim is to earn a college hockey scholarship, adjusting their plans as the season progresses.
- Agents: Many players have “agents” who assist with trades and team placements, though the details often remain a mystery to us.
- Parent Connection: While we provide day-to-day support, the boys usually stay closely connected to their families.
- Cultural Mix: Players from Minnesota are often grounded, while those from boarding schools can bring quirky habits.
How It All Began
Our billet journey started during the fall of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. A friend from Minnesota connected us with a young player who needed a billet home. We filled out the paperwork, welcomed him in, and haven’t looked back since. Now, six years later, we’ve hosted players from as far away as Canada and beyond, first with the Lone Star Brahmas in Texas and now with the OKC Warriors in Oklahoma.
The Players We Host
Over the years, we’ve housed a variety of players, including:
- Returners: Familiar faces from previous seasons.
- Newcomers: Boys trying out for the team or moving up a level.
- Short-Term Guests: Players staying for just a week during tryouts.
- Mid-Season Additions: Players cut from other teams, looking for a fresh start.
Some stay a week, others the whole season. It’s always a revolving door of hockey bags, sticks, and personalities.
Why We Do It
This isn’t just about hockey—it’s about building relationships and shaping young lives. Here’s why we keep coming back:
- Meaningful Connections: While we don’t expect lifelong friendships, we treasure the bonds we form. A quick text on their birthday or after a big game keeps the connection alive.
- Faith and Values: As Christians, we aim to model kindness, integrity, and hospitality. We say grace at dinner and welcome the boys to join us at church (though they rarely do).
- Food, Glorious Food: Feeding teenage hockey players is no small feat. We often serve big breakfasts on game days and keep the pantry stocked for the team’s bottomless appetites.
- Shared Moments: From listening to their hockey banter to watching them grow, these moments make it all worthwhile.
The Unknowns of the Season
Every season brings its own set of surprises:
- Will all three of our initial players stay, or will we be making airport runs for mid-season replacements?
- Will they be adventurous eaters or stick to pizza and burgers?
- How many extra players will show up unannounced for dinner?
One thing’s for sure: by spring, we’ll have a house full of memories and an empty fridge.
Final Thoughts
Being a billet parent is a unique and rewarding experience. It’s not without its challenges—like constantly restocking snacks or navigating the occasional personality clash—but the joy of watching these young men chase their dreams makes it all worthwhile. Whether we’re hosting three players or twelve, we’re proud to play a small part in their journey, one slap shot at a time.
Walking Down Life's Road With Andy 