Billet Family

Billet Family is a term used in hockey to refer to housing families who have opened their homes, hearts, and kitchens to incoming players. They provide a stable, caring, family environment that becomes a “home away from home” for our players as they pursue their junior and collegiate hockey dreams. Players come to Des Moines from all over the world to play for the Oakmoor Hockey Academy and we need families who will help facilitate the transition to a new city and environment.

Billet Families are the backbone of amateur hockey and are essential to the functionality of each team throughout the hockey world. Families often forge life-long bonds with their players, with many making trips to see each other, long after their time playing in Des Moines is over.

Oakmoor Patriots

Why Become a Billet Family

Hockey

A New Perspective

Memories

Lifelong Relationships

Family

A Home Away From Home

Education

Help Develop Young Adults

Common Questions

Hockey Club Des Moines is a certified Sec. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on building a world class hockey development program in Des Moines, Iowa.

Our players play for The Oakmoor Hockey Academy, a Premier Tier 1 Hockey Program in the Midwest. We currently have teams at the U14, U15, U16 and U18 level.

Arrival is generally August 1st, and the season runs through May. Most of the players
will attend school locally and may stay until the end of the school year. However, some may do online
classes and go home when the season is over.

A new perspective on hockey, as seen through the eyes of your elite player. A first-hand understanding of being a hockey player as a seasonal hockey family and contributor to the growth and development of a young aspiring hockey player and human. Lifelong relationships and memories of the experience and an opportunity to make a difference in a young man’s life. The ability to watch the growth and pursuit of a player wanting to take their hockey abilities to the highest level.

An open, understanding and patient family. It can be overwhelming for a player to be so far away from home and away from their family for the first time in their lives.

A thoughtful billet family appreciates that each player is unique, and that communication and mutual understanding takes effort. Billet families are those who share their home and family with a billet player, taking them in as one of their own.

For many boys this is their first experience away from home. This alone is a growing and learning experience for them… whether its developing good communication skills, handling expenses, doing laundry, cooking, etc. A supportive billet home can help develop each into responsible young adults.

It is of great importance to our hockey association that we place our out-of-town players in caring family environments that are committed to providing a supportive home away from home. Opening your home takes time, patience, and a willingness to share. Additionally, one of the keys to a successful experience is open communication from both parties.

A separate room for the player (or a shared room for 2 players) furnished much as a college dorm would provide for a student: bed, desk & chair and clothing storage. Nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as healthy snacks. A patient, caring and friendly home atmosphere. The same attention and guidance you would want for your own children. Reach out to one of the billet
coordinators for more info.

Yes. Two players can share living quarters, transportation expenses and often provide camaraderie for one another. USA Hockey only allows 2 players maximum in one billet home.

As a member of the household, players are expected to show respect and consideration for all host family members. They are required to follow all household rules as well as share in the daily chores, maintain their own room and do their own laundry.

Generally, billet families and players get along very well. We strongly recommend that all billet house rules be communicated to a player when he arrives. It is best if these can be in writing with a copy provided to our Billet Coordinator. If any situations arise, they should be handled immediately – first within the family, and then with the Billet Coordinator. If problems persist and cannot be resolved, the
Billet Coordinator will communicate with the Head Coach and make other arrangements for the player.

Yes, families receive a monthly billeting payment for each player. Besides offsetting the expenses, a family incurs when hosting a player, the compensation acknowledges the invaluable service families provide to the individual players and our hockey program.

Teams travel out of town about 2-3x a month. They have home games in Des Moines as well.

Some of the younger players do not drive or their parents are uncomfortable with new drivers living away from home. Billet coordinators make every attempt to match non-drivers up with teammates or near teammates so that carpooling can be set up and the host family does not have to provide
transportation on a frequent basis.

Become a Billet Family Today

If you, or anyone you know is interested in hosting a player, please contact us.

Billet Contact Form