Join the Siskins Family.
Every year, a new wave of elite young talent descends on Waterloo, fueled by the dream of the Ontario Hockey League, a scholarship for university hockey, and one day skating onto professional ice.
But these athletes—ranging from wide-eyed 16-year-olds leaving home for the first time to seasoned 20-year-old leaders—need more than just a roof over their heads and a place to hang their skates. To transform from prospects into pros, they need a “home base”: a supportive, warm environment where they can sharpen their skills on the ice and build their character off of it.
Being a Waterloo Siskin is a full-time commitment. Between early morning workouts, grueling practices, road trips across the province, and balancing school or part-time work, these young men lead incredibly disciplined lives. A billet family provides the stability they need to navigate these pressures. You aren’t just providing a bed; you are providing the “high-fives” after a big win and the steady encouragement after a tough loss.
The “Billet” tradition is one of the most unique and rewarding aspects of junior hockey. Families often find that the relationship doesn’t end when the season does. Many of our hosts stay in touch with their players for decades, attending their weddings or watching them debut in the NHL, knowing they played a pivotal role in that journey.
We are looking for local families who are proud of our community and eager to open their doors to the next generation of hockey stars. In exchange, you’ll receive a monthly stipend to cover expenses, season tickets to see your player in action, and the incomparable feeling of helping a young person chase their dream.
The Benefits of Billeting.
- Monthly Stipend: Each host family is provided a monthly stipend to cover the cost of groceries and other living expenses for each athlete they home.
- Season Tickets: Each household member is provided a pass to all Siskin home games, regular season and playoffs.
- Community: Billet families become a member of the Siskin family, and are included in team events and our annual billet appreciation day.
- Lifelong Connections.
Frequently Asked Questions.
- What is expected of a billet house? Billet families provide a roof over their head in the form of a private room, nutritious meals throughout the week, and a supportive environment to foster their development as young men.
- What is expected of the player? Players are expected to respect the rules of their host family, help out with chores around the house as required, and focusing their energy on the Siskins and their schoolwork, where applicable.
- How long is the commitment? Players will move into their homes when training camp opens up in mid-August and are there for the duration of the hockey season, which can be anywhere from mid-March through early-May depending on the Siskins playoff success.
- What if it’s not a good fit? Our billet coordinator is a resource to help with any issues that may arise between family and player, and can reassign players if any sort of fit is beyond repairable.
Testimonials.
“I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today as an athlete and person without the support, love and kindness I received from billet family in Waterloo. My time with the Siskins was the best in my life and I have my billet family and teammates to thank for that. I have made a family for life with Steph, Eric, Mackenzie and Isaiah.” –Ulysses Lombardi, Erie Otters (OHL)
“Our years with the Siskins have left a lifetime impact on our family. From cheering on the boys at their games (all the way to the Sutherland Cup), to building relationships with the players and their families. The boys became like sons to us and our children loved having ‘big’ brothers around the house. Billeting is not just hosting a hockey player, it’s extending your family and making lifelong memories.” –Trevor & Sonya Martin, former Siskin billet parents
