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Billet a Bandit

By Bandits Staff, 06/30/19, 9:30PM EDT

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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 or out-of-country players, and provides an opportunity for these young men to pursue the next step in their developing hockey careers. The billet program also allows some individuals to complete high school educations, take college preparatory classes, and pursue part-time employment in the local community.

The Bandits are pleased to help coordinate this program for our players, and encourage any families that are interested to read the frequently asked questions below and contact Jay Punsky jpunsky@bostonbandits.com for more info.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Billet Program

Q. Can a family host more than one player?

A. Yes! Two (or more) players can share transportation expenses, and often times provide camaraderie for one another.

Q. What are the family's responsibilities?

A. The family will provide 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. Meals will include breakfast, lunch (that can be taken with the player) and dinner.

Q. What are the player's responsibilities?

A. When traveling (away games), players will be responsible for their own meals. Players must show respect and consideration for all host family members. They need to maintain their rooms, gear and belongings.

Q. How long does the billet last?

A. The length of time depends on the family and the individual. Some players stay with a family throughout the hockey season, while others arrange to live with the family throughout the calendar year to satisfy academic or employment obligations. The length of stay is one of the key determining factors we use in matching a family with a player.

Q. Is there compensation to the host family?

A. 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 the Islanders organization.

Q. Are there potential language barriers regarding a foreign player?

A. Occasionally players from Canada (French) are part of the billet program, but there has never been a communication problem. The language differences are often an interesting dynamic in the player's stay with a family.