Billet. This small, two-syllable word is immensely important to hockey players and their families.

As a verb, the term can be defined as providing lodging for someone in a particular place. But, the true meaning goes far beyond the simplicity of this description.
Billets are families who invite players into their homes to be a part of their family during the hockey season.

The billet family provides housing and support to young players aged 13-17 who have moved away from home to pursue their dreams of playing the game they love. Billets are an integral part of The Rangers Athletic Club.



Each season, the Ranger Athletic Club located in the City of Fort Saskatchewan recruits talented young hockey players to play on our Bantam AAA, Minor Midget AAA, and Major Midget AAA teams. For some of these players to take advantage of the opportunity to play with one of our Elite teams, the players require a billet family to open up their home.

This will vary depending on the player. Most players will stay with the billet family for the duration of the season, usually from September to April. Most players will go home on the holiday breaks or as their schedule permits.

To cover the expenses incurred, billet families are paid monthly for each player in their home. The family of the player will pay the billet family $600.00 on the first of each month for the duration of the player’s stay. The funds are to assist with the cost of groceries and any reasonable cosmetics that the player requires (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste).  If the player requires specific items that is outside the ordinary, this would be at their own cost and exclusive of the $600.00 monthly fee.

Being a billet family is a significant commitment. However, there are also many benefits. Many of the hockey players become part of the family. They are encouraged to help around the house and often become involved in the activities of other children in the house.

  • Provide a private bedroom or a shared bedroom with a teammate (with closest and desk if possible). Would be beneficial to have well-functioning Wi-Fi to allow player to use for homework when needed.
  • Be familiar with team game and practice schedules and other events requiring player attendance.
  • Be fully knowledgeable of team guidelines and expectations governing conduct, educational standards and curfews.
  • Provide 3 balanced meals a day. The player must bear some responsibility for snacks, etc.
  • Enforce strict curfews established by the team/league and report any player that breaks curfew.
  • Ensure players attend all classes. Players should give billets a timetable of their classes.

Families that are interested in becoming a billet home are encouraged to complete the application form. Families will also need to provide Criminal Record Checks to the Ranger Athletic Club. Once the application is reviewed, the billet coordinator will do a home visit and meet with the family. If approved, the family will then be added to the billet home list. Throughout the tryout process in the fall, the Elite Director will work with the GM to place players in the billet home that is the best fit.
 

  • Players must keep in mind that it is not a right to live at a billet’s home, but a privilege. Always project a positive image of yourself and your team.
  • Players must show gratitude and be always helpful.
  • Players should keep their areas clean and clean up after themselves.
  • Players should have their own spending money for day-to-day expenses.
  • Players are responsible for their schooling.
  • Players must notify the billet family regarding their whereabouts.
  • All players are to respect the mealtimes established by the billet family and be present and on time. Players should inform their billet families if they will not be home or on time for dinner. Players are expected to help the billet families in the kitchen by assisting with meal preparation or meal clean up.
  • Players are expected to follow all curfews and to advise their billet family if they will be out late.
  • Underage players will not consume alcohol.
  • All players are not to be involved with any type of illegal activity.
  • Billeted players will report any issues of concern with their billet family to the coach or billet coordinator as well as to their parents.
  • Players will advise their billet families of their team practice and game schedule.