Billet families

When a young man becomes a member of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, he does not live on his own. This is the reason for being of a billet family. Each player is placed in a billet family and stays for the season. Billet families are called upon to provide more than a simple bed to sleep in, they become an integral part of the player's life. This goes from providing family-style meals to other support when needed. Most important is providing an environment where the player feels part of the family.

A player sacrifices much to play in the QMJHL. For many, it means moving away from home and this for the first time. For some, this happens as soon as the age of 16. A player can, in theory, stay with the same family for up to 5 years (the average is 3) unless he is traded to another organization. During this time, a relationship is forged between the player and the billet family. Contact between billet families and players are known to last much beyond their stay at the major junior level.

There are many benefits associated with becoming a billet family, but none equal the feeling of opening one's heart and his home to a young man whose dream is of one day to play in the NHL.

All potential billet families must pass an interview process at home and complete a consent form for Release of Criminal Record information. At this time, the billet family coordinator inspects the potential billet home. All billet families must meet the standards as specified by the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

Billet families are considered as the "off-ice" Titan team. Without them, the "on-ice" Titan team's success is very much compromised.

Billet Families Responsibilities

• Dedicated Room - which includes a double bed or larger, a student desk for homework, preferably a TV in room.
• Family Type Meals
• Laundry - to be determined between player and billet
• Support, communication and understanding are vital. All concerns regarding the player should be directed to the billet coordinators
• Having the player feel at home and part of the family is very important

Billet Family Benefits

• Two Season Tickets for all games including playoffs.
• All Billet Families will receive a card entitling them to a 10% discount on all regular priced item at Titan souvenir shop.
• Several Social Team Functions
• Monetary Compensation is $75.00 per week. (This does not include training camp, which will be paid at $13.00 per day).
• A wonderful experience with many great memories go to those who will extend their families to include a dedicated young man who is endeavoring to further his education while playing major junior hockey.

Acadie-Bathurst Titan responsibilities

• Transportation: Provided for all school and hockey functions
• Educational assistance: Provided by educational advisor
• Medical
• Player support

If you have an interest in becoming a billet family, contact Annie Morrissette at 549-3300.