ESTEVAN - The Estevan U18 AAA Bears are looking for billet parents for the 2023-24 season.
Leah Moriarty, who is the Bears' billet co-ordinator, said she and her husband have had a player stay at their place since the Bears' inaugural campaign in 2020-21. It's been a great experience for her entire family.
"We have had two boys come to our house at different times, and they have been the best billets we could ever ask for," said Moriarty.
She recalls that her husband was helping out with the Bears when the team was getting off the ground, and told her he had short-listed them to be billets. Moriarty said she knew what that meant – a Bear would be staying at their place.
At the time, they had a two-year-old and a nine-month-old living in a small house, but it proved to be a great decision.
"One of the things that I enjoy most about being a billet is the relationship that the boys have with our children. They are phenomenal big brothers. They lend a helping hand in the house when needed. Whenever they need to do something, you can expect them to do it."
The bonds forged with the players extends beyond their time with the team. They still see their first billet player, Kelton Pyne, on a regular basis, as they have watched him skate with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.
As for the second player, if he's back with the Bears this year, the Moriartys hope he will stay in their home again. The family spent time with him during their summer vacation.
Moriarty also noted that Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden Pachal, who brought the Stanley Cup to Estevan on July 29, had his billets from Victoria, B.C., and Prince Albert come to Estevan for Pachal's day with the cup.
"That's how strong of a relationship a billet will build with his billet family. It remains forever," said Moriarty.
A young player will fill a void that a family didn't know they have. Parents hear the cheers during a mini-sticks game, and they see the look on the younger kids' faces when with their billet brother.
"They're great role models for young hockey players in the household to grow the love of their game, and they want to be like them," said Moriarty.
Billet families also play an important role for the organization, she said. Without billet families, players don't have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of playing hockey at a higher level. Most of the players on the Bears have had to move away from home at a young age to pursue their hockey dreams.
Moriarty said empty-nest couples also serve as billet parents. Many feel the need to take in a player once their own kids have left home.
The Bears need about five more families for next season, and 19 in total for this year. The club provides billet fees to help cover the cost of having an extra body in the home for the duration of a hockey season.
The team has strict rules as well, with curfews, academic requirements and attendance. Players are kept busy with classes, practices, games, team functions, workouts and more.
