Sting Billet Program

One of the most difficult things for a Junior “A” hockey player is moving away from home. A lot is expected of these players both on and off the ice, and this can create added stress and anxiety for these young men. As an organization we strive to find homes that will expose our players to a positive family environment. By living with supportive local families, our players and the community can develop a special bond that lasts well beyond any Sting season.  

To ensure the happiness of our players we ask that certain conditions to be met. It is vital to have each team member feel that they live in a home that is welcoming, loving, communicative and understanding. The players range in age from 16-20, and will be responsible for obeying house rules made at your discretion. That being said, we have a few rules our own.

What we look for in a billet family. 

• Clean, smoke-free welcoming home
• Private room with a bed, good mattress and a desk/workspace for homework
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Proximity to the Progressive Auto Sales Arena and Northern Secondary School (includes Sarnia, Point Edward and Bright’s Grove)
• Support of team rule enforcement including curfew, community engagement, academic standards etc.
• Full COVID 19 Vaccination – all members of the billet family (12 and up) are required to be fully vaccinated.

We also require that all potential candidates undergo a preliminary in-house interview and consent to a police background check. Of course, the player’s needs are of equal importance and, as we know, not all players want the same things. We will need to consider if the player will feel comfortable with other children, or if he is a pet lover or allergy sufferer. He may be shy and private and prefer the quiet home on an older family. Or he may be outgoing and gregarious and would enjoy the energy of a younger family. These are the essential details that will help us in matching the player to a happy, compatible family life.

Your Responsibilities 

We have every confidence that our billets will create a home away from home for our players…….and home is where the comfort is! While we will be responsible for the transportation of the player to all school and hockey functions, and provide all education and medical assistance, we ask that you provide the same simple day-to-day care for our Sting players that you give your own family.

• A room of their own
• Providing a suitable size bed for the player. A good mattress is essential.
• Providing towels, shower supplies (Personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and other toiletries are the responsibility of the player)
• Laundry and mending – Laundry to be determined between player and billets, it can be the responsibility of the player
• Dry Cleaning is the player’s responsibility
• High-speed internet
• Nutritious healthy meals
• Support, communication and understanding are vital……having the player feel at home and part of the family is very important.

Billet Benefits

There are benefits that come along with billeting a member of the Sarnia Sting. These perks however do not equal the overwhelming joy a family receives from opening their hearts and home to a fine young man who is trying to achieve his dream.  Many of the relationships formed will last for a lifetime.

• Two complimentary tickets for all Sting Home games including playoffs.
• Monetary compensation of $80.00 per week
• 10 % Discount off all regularly priced Sting merchandise

Generally, billets, players and the player’s family develop very special bonds and remain close long after the player has left the Sarnia Sting organization. We try to ensure that this experience is a rewarding one for both the player and the billets

If you or someone you know would like to find out more about becoming a Sting Billet family please complete the form below or  email Assistant General Manager Mark Glavin [email protected]