TRYOUTS

We have been a billet family for 2 years and it has been the best experience and more than we could ever hope for. We have had 6 young men stay with us while playing for the Jr. Cyclones and continue to stay in touch with them and their families. It is not easy to have people you don’t know come and live with you for 7 months, but it is so rewarding. Keeping in mind it is a new experience for everyone and there will be a few awkward moments the first week, but before long it will be like they have been part of the family all along.

The gratitude from the players (and their families) for allowing them to fulfill their dreams and continue to play at the junior hockey level is incredible. They become part of your family and tug at your heart. You become their cheerleader, celebrating the wins and encouraging them after a loss. My house feels so empty every March when they go back home. I look at every year as a chance for my family to continue to grow and bond with other families. The hockey world is so small and so rewarding.

On the flip side, my son was a billet for 4 years (before the Cyclones had a team). He billeted with a family in New York with young kids and to this day considers himself their big brother. He billeted with another family for 3 years in Michigan and still goes during college breaks to stay with them. We are forever grateful to both families that were so kind to be his billet families. They will always be part of life.

If you have any questions about becoming a billet family or having your son, be part of the billeting program, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Make a difference and the experience will be worth it.

Jilleen Hays

Billet Coordinator

Hockey Parent

Billet Family