Mavericks in Search of Local Families to House Players
- Mavericks Communications
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Becoming a billet family for a junior hockey player is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a young athlete’s life. Our players leave their homes at a young age to pursue their dreams, and having a welcoming, supportive household helps them adjust to the pressures of competitive hockey while staying grounded. By offering a stable home environment, billet families play a vital role in a player’s development—not just on the ice, but emotionally and personally as well. It’s a chance to provide mentorship, encouragement, and structure during a formative time in a young person’s life.
In return, billet families often find the experience deeply enriching. Hosting a player brings a new dynamic to the home and builds lasting relationships that often feel like family. Many billet families stay in touch with their players long after they’ve moved on, watching them grow into adults, and sometimes even professionals. The experience can also bring families closer to the community and the Mavericks, creating memories that last a lifetime. It’s more than just providing a place to stay, about becoming part of someone’s journey and offering a home away from home.
Families interested in hosting a Mavericks player for the 2025-26 can learn more and fill out an interest form at:
Hear from some past host families and Mavericks players about their experience with the billeting program:
“It was our first season as a billet family! Our player became like family to us. So much so, he’s coming back for a second season and we can’t wait! It was such a rewarding experience to be able to be a part of the player’s hockey journey! We would highly encourage any families that are considering it to take the leap!”
- Sutton Family
“Having billet kids the last 5 years with the Columbus Mavericks has been nothing short of a wonderful experience for our family! Their schedule works so well with our school and job schedules. We all get to eat dinners together and these kids have become extentions of our family and we have of theirs. Mavericks players are remarkable young men who have been such positive influences to my son, who, as an only child, considers himself to have real brothers now for the rest of his life! If you are considering being a billet family, you shouldn't hesitate, jump on it, communicate the rules, include them in your family life and they'll become a valued part of your family for your lifetimes!”
- Leroy Family
“Ashley and Adam did an amazing job and making me feel like a part of their family, and I know many other players on the Mavs had similar experiences. I am looking forward to going back this year and making more fun memories with their family.”
- Giovanni Valentine, Mavericks Forward
“Andy, Nacy, and Jonah feel like family after this season. They did a great job making me feel involved. Andy feels like a second dad now, and I’ll always look forward to game nights. I plan to visit them whenever I can during college.”
- Sam Gonyaw, Mavericks Defenseman
“Jeremy and Heather I could not be more thankful for having them bring me in this past season. They opened their doors for me and made me apart of the family which is such an important thing for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have them. I can’t wait to come back and do it again this coming season!”
- Austin Ludt, Mavericks Defenseman
