The Oceanside Generals have been busy recruiting players from all over the world – with some coming from other parts of Canada and as far as Australia and possibly South Africa.
Rick Hannibal, the general manager of the Vancouver Island Hockey League's Generals, said he has been looking at a lot of leads and getting a huge volume of emails of players wanting to join the team. He wishes he could recruit more but there is an issue — finding billet homes.
"It's one of my biggest challenges every year," said Hannibal. "We need seven to 10 billet homes for our out-of-town players. I am not worried about hockey, as far as the players we have. I am worried about billet homes. It's my main stress."
Hannibal added they are competing with exchange students who pay more than $1,000 while the Generals offer $800 with tickets to the home games.
"The difference is billet families for exchange students, they have to drive them around but for our players, most have their own cars," said Rick. "As well, there's a lot of concern about the food and stuff. Like how much do they eat? I billeted for like nine years and we never had a problem like that. We just shop smart."
Hannibal indicated the lack of information and knowledge are hurdles that keep people from billeting players. He pointed out in his experience, many of players that have stayed with him have become extended family. It's an experience the builds lasting relationships and memories, Hannibal said this is true not only for the players, who are having to sacrifice separation from their parents and home for their hockey career, but also for the families that welcome them and become an integral part of their journey.
"They don't know," said Hannibal. "I think if they were to sort of understand, it's all about gaining another family member. I've had close to 20 kids that have lived with us over the years. On Father's Day, I'm going to get a little message saying 'Happy Father's Day.' The relationships I have gained with these kids has been unbelievable. And the thing is, it's the experience you are going to get there."
Hannibal added they can also be good companions for those living on their own, including seniors.
"It's going to energize someone there," said Hannibal. "I know when I had those kids, it keeps me young. It they want something to do, they can come to a Gens game and watch your billet son play hockey."
If are those who are considering offering their place but are still hesitant about it, Hannibal suggest that they call him to find out more what is expected of them as a billet family.
"When we meet our billet players, we explain to them, one, you are part of the family," said Hannibal. "As a billet family, you don't have to do a lot. Just be there. If they have a good game, a pat on the back and tell them 'great game tonight.' And if it wasn't the greatest game and it was a tough game, just listen because the kids would do most of the talking. Me being a coach, general manager, everything, I have seen different things and I am able to relate to a lot of these kids when I billet them. And lot of time, it's just listening."
Hannibal said they teach and remind the players to be respectful to their billet families. They also help educate players, especially those billeting for the first time, about cooking, cleaning, washing their clothes and other stuff that they need to know and learn to do.
If you are interested in becoming a Generals host family, your home can be located from Nanaimo to Bowser. You will receive a stipend of $800 including two tickets to all regular home games. The players will be with you from Aug. 19 until mid-April.
For more information, contact Julie Rengert at Oceansidegeneralsbillet@gmail.com.
