Billet Info
Becoming a billet or host family is a tremendously rewarding experience for both the family and the player. Host families come in all shapes and sizes and being a hockey fan is not a requirement! Hosting a player in your home gives our players an opportunity to pursue their aspirations of playing junior hockey and beyond.
All of our players range between the ages of 15 to 21. To live in our beautiful community while playing for the Barrie Jr Sharks is a dream come true for many of them. Our players, while pursuing their hockey goals, will also be completing high school, enrolled in post-secondary education, or working part-time locally. In addition to those responsibilities they also volunteer within the Barrie Women's Hockey Association.
It is the mission of the Barrie Jr Sharks to provide the coaching and mentoring on and off the ice that will allow players to achieve and surpass their goals in hockey and education. Being a host parent is an integral part of helping our players and our organization accomplish that. The benefits of being a host family not only directly benefit your family but also the Barrie Women's Hockey Association community.
Billet Information/Forms:
Player Billet Information Sheet
For more information on the billeting program please see the FAQs below or contact Barrie Jr Sharks GM at jrsharks-gm@bwha.ca
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Host Family?
A Host Family is a player's home-away-from-home. A billet or host family home is where a player lives during the hockey season. These players eventually become a part of the family and are excellent role models for their host siblings.
Are Host Families paid?
Yes- Host families receive a negotiated amount generally around $450-$550 a month from the player's family to help with additional household expenses, especially food and drink. (monthly amount can be increased based on special dietary needs)
Is there a "typical" Host Family?
No. Host Families may be two-parent families, single-parent families, empty nesters, or professional couples. The common denominator is a desire by the family to make a difference in a player's life and our Barrie Sharks Community. Often our players will take on the role of BWHA Ambassador or mentor to their Host Siblings.
Can a family host more than one player?
Yes. Two (or more) players can share transportation expenses, and often provide company for one another. The only requirement is that each player has adequate space/living arrangements. Each player is expected to have her own bed, and closet or dresser.
How long does a player stay?
The hockey season spans from September to April with players arriving in mid-August. Sometimes arrangements are made for our high-school students to stay until the end of their semester to provide continuity in their studies.
Will players join your family for personal events?
You are welcome to invite players to join your for family celebrations or activities; however, it is not mandatory for you to do so. All our players will have time off during the winter holidays.
Are there guidelines and communication supplied by the Jr Sharks to assist our family in the process of hosting a player?
Our General Manager is available by phone or email throughout the season to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have, as well as act as a liaison to the Barrie Women's Hockey Association. There will also be a meeting held between the players, host families and team management at the beginning of each season to go over our Billeting guidelines and responsibilities of both players and Host Families.
Will players be left home alone if we leave on a vacation?
No, players will be moved temporarily to another host family's home while their host family is away.
Do I have to live in Barrie to Host?
No! The Barrie Jr. Sharks are part of the Central Ontario region and as such can have billets in the Coldwater, Orillia, Penetanguishene, and Springwater areas.
