The Neepawa Natives are preparing to start a new hockey season for 2015-2016. The organization is putting out a call for families to billet out of town players. The importance of the billet families to the Neepawa Natives is immeasurable.
Billeting can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for all those willing to open up their homes to dedicated players of the Neepawa Natives. Many families who have billeted in the past look back at their experience with fond memories. In fact, many families still keep in contact with their players as they move through the ranks of College, WHL, and Professional Hockey.
Whether you’re new, or a long time resident of Neepawa, billeting is a great way to meet people. When you walk into the Yellowhead Arena for a Natives game, you will notice small groups of people standing around talking. These groups are usually the billet families talking with other billets and/or the players’ families.
All out-of-town players are provided with room and board in local family homes. Players are placed in carefully selected homes. These families take great interest in the player on and off the ice. During winter months many local businesses assist players with part-time jobs that fit within the other time demands of practice, school and road/home games.
We have established billet guide lines so that both our players and billet families understand what is expected of them while a player is living in their home. We need families willing to share their homes, and become a “Home Away from Home” for these hardworking dedicated hockey players.
Many of our Billet families have done this for many players from all over Canada and the United States. These boys, ages ranging from 16-20 years old, have been able to complete their High School Education, College, hold part time jobs and volunteer within our community while pursuing their hockey dreams. Many of these young players are away from home for the first time and are adjusting to a higher level of hockey, new school, and an unfamiliar community, all without the support of their family or friends. With all of these sources of stress, the role of the billet is a critical one.
In most cases very strong bonds are made between the player and his billet family as well as the player’s family. These relationships will often carry on for many years after the player has left the team. Our players have proven to be great role models for younger children in the Billet home, as they demonstrate hard work and determination to achieve tough goals.
If you or your family are interested in the possibility of becoming a Neepawa Native billet family or would like more information, please contact:
General Manager; Myles Cathcart at 204.841.1555 or Billet Coordinator; Mary Ellen Clark at 204.476.6077. We can also be contacted by e-mail at nnatives@mymts.net
We will be happy to sit down with you in person to discuss the aspects of billeting and welcome you to the Neepawa Natives hockey family.
The Neepawa Natives Junior Hockey Club would like to thank you for your efforts in making each one of our players feel at home in your house. Without your efforts our club could not operate.
Once again, we thank you so very much for what you are doing for our team.
With Great Respect,
Neepawa Natives Junior Hockey Club