Powell River Kings are getting close to another hockey season and the team needs billet families to accommodate players.
The team’s billet coordinator Aaron Reid said the community has already been supportive in providing homes for them currently, but she’s had a player living in her rec room, which is less than ideal. However, a home has been found for him, so he will be moving in on Monday.
Reid said that training camp for the BC Hockey League (BCHL) team started on August 30, and when camp is over, there will probably be two or three players who will need to be placed. She added that during the season, things happen, where a family might go on holiday, or someone comes in for a tryout, so there is a need for a temporary placement.
Reid said the team is looking for clean, safe, supportive environments for its players.
“Basically, when I go and view homes and talk to families, if I wouldn’t place my own child there, then I wouldn’t place a player there,” said Reid. “I take that responsibility very seriously. I’m placing, in some cases, other people’s children in other people’s homes.
“When placing a player, the main thing is the player has to have a private room of their own. That includes having a dresser, closet and Wi-Fi, because many of them are doing school online. Lots of them like to have a TV in their room because they’ll bring along their gaming system and that’s how they keep in contact with their friends and family back home, watch movies and things like that.”
Reid said her family took the leap three seasons ago and were initially blessed to have Anthony Lucarelli, from Chatham, Ontario, live with them.
“Honestly, that’s what got me so involved with the Kings to the level I’m at right now,” said Reid. “I found it such a rewarding experience getting to know him, his parents and family.
“I really want to keep this team in Powell River and help the players progress to reach their goals. Many of them are trying to get scholarships so they can go to university. It’s another pathway for these youths.”
Reid said players this year are coming from Italy, Sweden, the United States and across Canada.
“These people come into our community and we get to know their cultures and experiences, which we might not normally get,” said Reid. “You learn new things from them.”
While some people may think billeting a Kings player is a babysitting gig, Reid said the truth is the players are constantly on the go.
“They’re so busy; they get up in the morning and head to the rink,” said Reid. “They’re practicing, then they have their workouts. They’ve got community events, they have games, they have road trips, and school on top of that for some of them.”
Kings president Stephan Seeger Sr. said the team is always looking for more beloved families.
“I can’t emphasize that enough,” said Seeger. “Billet families are home away from home for our players, and when the players are happy, you always have a better player.”
Anyone interested in billeting can contact Reid directly at 604.414.5195, or go online at powellriverkings.com/billeting.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
