It's a "power play" for the community to come together and support these young athletes.
The Okotoks Oilers are gearing up for the new season and are in need of host families to provide accommodations for their young players. Each year, the team relies on local families to open their homes to players from around the world, aged 16 to 20, from the start of training camp in September to the end of March or April, if the team makes the playoffs.
In exchange for their hospitality, host families receive a $500 stipend for groceries, exclusive grocery discounts, and season tickets. This year, the team has also partnered with Soul Sugar Catering to provide pre-cooked meals for the families. According to Sheena Denscombe, who coordinates the billet program, the athletes can eat up to 10,000 calories a day, making the grocery stipend and discounts a welcome support.
Jenn Ashton, coordinator for the U17AAA & U17AA boys and U18AAA girls, emphasizes that being billeted is a privilege for the players, and that the families provide a “soft place to land” for young people who are often away from home for the first time. The Okotoks Oilers Athletic Association (OOAA) is looking to billet up to 18 student athletes this season, most of whom will attend Foothills Composite High School.
The OOAA has a strong partnership with the school, which works with the students to arrange their schedules and timetables to accommodate their hockey program. The program also emphasizes the importance of being responsible students, and provides tutors to support the players with their studies.
If you are interested in becoming a host family or would like more information, please contact [email protected].