Want to host an Ice Dog? The Fairbanks Ice Dogs need your help!
We are in need of families who want to take in a player for the upcoming season! Billet families are an integral part to our organization. Players ages 16-20 come from all corners of the country and around the globe to play in the North American Hockey League, and they need a good home to stay in while pursuing their hockey dreams. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents of young hockey players to bring in a mentor/big brother, or families who want to get more involved with the team in a great way.
Here are a few requirements:
• Players will need a room of their own with access to a bathroom.
• Ensure meals are available for the players, whether prepared by you or provided for them to prepare themselves.
• Families are compensated for the players living in their home and may be eligible for season tickets.
• Players arrive around August 19th and generally depart around April 15th. Accommodations can be made if the family wants to travel while housing a player.
• Players must have internet access to complete schoolwork and maintain communication with their families.
• Housing should be in a two-person home that is not situated on a military base. The home should not have high school-aged females living there.
• Host families are not obligated to provide a vehicle for the player, as the team will ensure transportation to practices and games is arranged if a car is not available.
We have opportunities available for folks looking to be involved both short- and long-term. We’re looking for temporary host families for players during training camp (August 19 – September 4) and full-time families to host players through the end of the season. If you’ve ever wanted to try billeting, training camp may be the perfect option for you!
The benefits and perks for being a billet family are endless. The unique bonds your family will form with the player(s) you house will last a lifetime. It is not uncommon for players, years after their time in the league, to keep in close contact with their former billet family: keeping them informed of their collegiate, professional and family lives and, in many cases, even inviting their former billets to their weddings!
If you have questions or you are interested in becoming a billet family, please contact wendy@fairbanksicedogs.com.
