Hockey isn’t necessarily top of mind this time of year as it is at other times.
The billet coordinator for the Iroquois Falls Storm Junior A team figures that’s why she’s not hearing of anyone who wants to help fill five billet slots for next season.
Stéphanie Giguère-Bernier says players arrive near the end of August, so she hopes to fill those vacancies by the middle of July.
“That way we can make an introduction between the player and the home that they’re going to,” she notes. “So that way, they could connect and kind of get things ready and rolled out to see if they’re a good fit and get some groceries purchased to suit the lifestyle.”
From her own experience, she’ll tell you that one of the most satisfying things about being a billet parent is the bond you forge with the player as he becomes part of the family.
“We have a lot of returning families. We seem to have a really good retention. It’s really great to see like the families supporting, supporting the players at home. They’re also going to the games to support as well.”
Billeting details are on the Storm website, and in the audio of our interview posted below.