Brighton Vikings hoping local families will help welcome players during inaugural season
As the Brighton Vikings prepare for their first season, the team is looking for more than fans to fill the stands.
They are also looking for local families willing to open their homes to junior hockey players arriving from across Canada and around the world.
Team manager Grace Rodriguez says billet families are a crucial part of junior hockey, providing players with a comfortable and supportive environment while they pursue their athletic and educational goals.
Rodriguez says some people may hesitate because they believe becoming a billet family involves extensive requirements, but she says the most important qualities are compassion and a willingness to welcome a player into the household.
Families generally need a spare bedroom, access to laundry and Wi-Fi, and regular access to meals or food. The Vikings typically hope to place two players together, giving them a familiar teammate as they adjust to living away from home.
But Rodriguez says players are meant to fit into the family’s existing routine.
That family connection can make a major difference.
Sebastian Smith, who came to Canada from Denmark and spent last season playing for the Niagara Predators, says living with a billet family gave him a sense of belonging that he had not always experienced while living away from home.
Beyond having a place to stay, Smith says his billet family gave him opportunities to share meals, conversations and everyday responsibilities while experiencing Canadian culture.
Rodriguez, who has been a billet herself, says the relationships can last for years and can become meaningful for everyone involved.
With players beginning to arrive, the Brighton Vikings are looking for families interested in becoming part of the team’s inaugural season.
Anyone interested can contact Rodriguez at grace@brightonvikings.ca to start the conversation.
