INTRODUCTION TO BILLETING

When a young man becomes a member of the Saint John Sea Dogs Hockey Club he does not live on his own. This is where billet families enter into the picture. Each player is placed with a family from the community and spends the entire hockey season with them. Billet parents are called upon to provide more than simply a bed to sleep in. They are expected to provide a home away from home including the provision of nutritional family type meals and other supports when required. But above all else they are to ensure that the player feels at home and a part of their family.

Part of being drafted by a junior hockey team entails sacrifices. For many it means moving away from home for the first time, some as young as 16 years old. In some cases the player has to deal with the learning of a new language. A team member could actually be with the same team and family from 1 to 5 years,( the norm is 3 years) unless a trade occurs or a change is required. During this time bonding takes place among the entire family. In turn, lasting relationships are forged. Contact among billet parents and their former billet(s) is maintained on a regular basis. The billet home becomes a player's second home and the community becomes a second hometown. In the past billet parents have traveled as far as Sweden to visit the home of their billet(s) and meet with their parents.

There are benefits that come along with billeting a member of the Saint John Sea Dogs. These perks however do not equal the overwhelming joy a family receives from opening their hearts and homes to a fine young man who is trying to achieve his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.

All potential billet parents must undergo an in-house interview and complete a consent form for Release of Criminal Record Information .At such time, the current billeting coordinators also inspect a prospective player's room. All potential billet parents must meet the high standards as set out by the Saint John Sea Dogs Hockey Club.

Billet families are considered the Saint John Sea Dogs "Off-Ice" team, without them the "On-Ice" team would not be a success.

Billet Families Responsibilities
* Dedicated Room - which includes a double bed or larger, a student desk for homework, preferably a TV in room.
* Family Type Meals
* Laundry - to be determined between player and billet
* Support, communication and understanding are vital. All concerns regarding the player should be directed to the billet coordinators
* Having the player feel at home and part of the family is very important
* Player Billet Profile - to be completed at season end by billet family

Billet Family Benefits
* Two Season Tickets for all games including playoffs.
* All Billet Families will receive a card entitling them to a 15% discount on all regular priced Saint John Sea Dogs merchandise.
* Several Social Team Functions:
* Welcome Night
* Season Opener social event
* Awards Night
* Season Wrap - Up Social event
* Other Planned Functions (Will Advise)
* Monetary Compensation is $90.00 per week. (This does not include training camp, which will be paid at $15.00 per day and is paid separately).
* A wonderful experience with many great memories go to those who will extend their families to include a dedicated young man who is endeavoring to further his education while playing major junior hockey.

Services Provided By Hockey Club
* TRANSPORATION: Will be provided for all school and hockey functions (Billets to provide in emergency situations)
* EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Will be provided by an Educational Advisor
* MEDICAL: TBA
* PLAYER SUPPORT: Provided by Saint John Police Department one on one program.

For more information send an email to info@saintjohnseadogs.com

To download an application form to become a billet, click HERE