The U18 AAA Estevan Bears are gearing up for the upcoming season and are on the hunt for welcoming billet families to host their young hockey players.
Leah Moriarty, the billet coordinator, said the boys will be between 15 and 18 years old. “A billet family takes in our hockey players to help them play higher caliber hockey. They’re moving away from home and just chasing their dreams of playing hockey.”
“We look for the willingness to open up your home and take in one of these young hockey players. Provide a healthy family environment, be a positive role model for these players, cook some healthy food, and just really be their home away from home.”
The season for the Bears begins on the September long weekend or right before school starts and continues to the end of February, with playoffs in March.
“One thing that is different from the Bears and the Bruins is that players will not be moved in mid-season. They are with the team from the start to the end.”
In addition to being an integral part of the players’ hockey journey, families also receive monthly reimbursement, tickets to games throughout the season, as well as player/parent billet social events.
“You get to watch some exciting hockey in the next generation of hockey stars, and the most important thing that we’ve encountered is the lifelong relationships that the boys form with our kids and us as well.”
The Bears are coming off a big season, making it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
“So we’re looking to come off that high and have an even better season this season,” said Moriarty. “I am an open book when it comes to billeting. I love telling our stories; I love everything about it. We’ve had such great kids and families come through our homes, so I am all for it.”
As the franchise moves into it’s sixth year, not all long time billet families are able to recommit. “We’ve had quite a few families that are the same for the last five years, which is the amount of time that the bears have been around,” Moriarity. “Unfortunately some of our billets get busy with their own life which is why we’re always kind of looking for new ones.”
To find out more about becoming a billet for the Bears, Moriarty said to message the Bears' Facebook page, email leahrmoriarty@gmail.com, or call 306-461-9564.