From Wildcats Twitter
Have you always wanted to be a part of the Moncton Wildcats organization? Well, now is your opportunity.
The Wildcats are looking for billet families to host the members of their team that come from outside the Moncton Region. Players are often from other cities, provinces and in some cases countries, making the role of a billet family crucial.
The family provides players with a home away from home according to the Moncton Wildcats Director of Hockey Operations Ritchie Thibeau.
Responsibilities for the family taking care of a Wildcat player are similar to a parent looking after a teenager. A billet family will provide food, a personal bedroom, and a safe environment.
Thibeau has seen families from many different situations take on the role.
“For some people, their kids have grown up and gone away from home, and they find they have some time to give,” said Thibeau.
“There are some other families that have smaller children, and they find that a Wildcat player can be a great role model.”
The bond between players and their billet families has been known to last longer than the span of a QMJHL career.
“It provides a lifelong relationship in many cases between the family and the player,” said Thibeau.
The team looks for an additional two to three families to integrate into the program every year according to the Wildcats Director of Hockey Operations. Thibeau says the organization is often in need during training camp, which can provide an introduction to the role for families on the fence.
Members of the community looking to get involved as a billet family for the Moncton Wildcats can contact the team’s office.
