For the Smiths, hosting young people comes naturally
By Eric Lawson, The RiverView
For Wildcats billet hosts Richard and Marie Smith, welcoming young people into their home is just par for the course.
When their own daughter was in Grade Ten, “they were talking about exchange students needing to be billeted, and we had a spare room, so we ended up hosting kids from China, from Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, really from across Europe.
“These kids came from families who thought that, before they went to university, it would be valuable for the students to improve their English skills. So, we were really used to having exchange students. Our daughter is an only child and she wanted a sister. She has sisters all over the world now!
“You of course have to provide a safe environment for the students and the billets. You provide their own bedroom for privacy, for example. So, we were already familiar with those requirements when we first hosted Wildcats players.”
Marie notes that when they built their home in Riverview, they included an in-law suite for Richard’s mother. That space has come to serve as a den and adds space and amenities for billeting players as well.
After their daughter moved out on her own, the Smiths say they “looked at each other and said, ‘we have a lot of room, and we are only 1.8 kilometres from the Avenir Centre, maybe we could reach out to the Wildcats.’”
Arrangements were quickly made, and the Smiths have been hosting players since 2024 – four so far. “Honestly, it has been easy and familiar for us.”
The Smiths praise the Wildcats organization’s care with matching billet families and players. Says Richard, “I have to compliment the Wildcats. The way they select not just for the hockey talent, but for the manners and the characteristics of the players. When the players walk in the house, it feels like they are mature beyond their years.
“The Wildcats do a great job. The players who have stayed with us are appreciative and great young gentlemen. And, they have to stick to a strict schedule and are very mature about that.”
This season, Victor Morrissette-Richer billeted with the Smiths during his time with the team (Morrissette-Richer has since moved on to the Langley Rivermen in the British Columbia Hockey League).
While they are not hosting a player at the moment, the Smiths keep the option open for the future. “It is a great experience. After a game, a player will talk about how they think the game went, how they think they played. You also meet other billet parents, and it becomes a complete experience.”
