Billeting

The Thunderbirds Hockey Club is actively seeking host families ready to extend their homes to our players. For many players, this is their first taste of life away from their families. Our objective is to cultivate a robust billeting program that caters to players who are venturing away from their familiar environments to further their journey in junior and collegiate hockey.

Becoming a host family means welcoming these players into your home and your life, providing them with the support they need to focus on their hockey career and personal growth. Over time, these relationships often evolve into lifelong bonds, with host families becoming an extended family for the players. 

We are blessed with a dedicated coordinator Melissa Latvala that helps us find the right home environment for each player. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to ensure the best match for both the host family and the player.  

As a host family, you will: 

• Comply with all USA Hockey's volunteer, SafeSport, and screening requirements. 
• Enter a contract with the player’s family, setting out guidelines and expectations (overseen by the team billet coordinator and head coach). 
• Serve as a mentor and friend, providing encouragement and setting a positive example. 
• Treat the player as a member of your family. 
• Set "home rules" and help enforce team rules on curfew, visitors, and behavior. 
• Provide a furnished bedroom for the player, or a shared room with a teammate (not with any other household member). 

In return for your commitment, you will: 

• Form lasting friendships with players and their families. 
• Receive a monthly stipend of $400 (paid by the player’s family). 
• Demonstrate your support for the Thunderbirds College Prep program and contribute to the success of our teams.