Become A Billet Family

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

The Eels are looking for a few more host families to house 12 players. We currently have two young men from Sweeden, two from Colorado, one from Russia, one from Quebec, one from Virginia, one from New York, one from Pennsylvania, one from Michigan, one from Seattle, and one from Boston, in need of housing.

 The billeting concept is something of a hockey tradition, and is especially important at the junior level of hockey. It involves host families opening their homes to out-of-state players, and provides an opportunity for these young men to pursue the next step in their developing hockey careers. The billet program also allows individuals to complete high school educations, take college classes, and/or pursue part-time employment in the local community.

The Florida Eels feel that one of the components of success is to provide a comfortable living environment for each of our billet players. One of the most difficult things for the high-level hockey player is moving away from home. As a result, we strive to find homes that provide a positive family environment. To help alleviate such inherent anxieties, our players, in turn, are strongly encouraged to embrace the challenges of moving into a new household and become actively involved with the family that has so generously welcomed them into their home.

We value the importance of the billet families who open their homes to our players and appreciate the efforts made by the entire family in making our players' transition easier. Being a billet family can be a very rewarding experience. Strong bonds are often made between the player, his parents and the billet family, which frequently carry on well after the player has moved on to the next level.

The Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program, the players, and their families appreciate the commitment, generosity and dedication of our billet families.   The Florida Eels are pleased to help coordinate this program for our players, and encourage any families that are interested to read the following frequently asked questions and contact us with your interests at eelshockeycoach@aol.com or call Frank Scarpaci, Florida Eels General Manager at 941-400-9023

Compensation is paid to the billet family in the amount of $350.00.