Do you want to contribute to the Riverblades organization in some way but didn’t know how? Right now there is an incredible opportunity to be a key component of the 2021-22 team and beyond as a Riverblades Host Family!
Players who play for the Riverblades come from all corners of the country and around the globe – and when they arrive in Provo they need a place to live during their season.
This is where host families–or billets–come in, performing the incredibly vital job of providing Riverblade hockey players with a place to live while these young men chase their dream of playing ice hockey at the collegiate and professional levels.
Housing families invite these players into their homes to be a part of their family from (Sept-Mar). In turn, the players, ages 17-20, take part in many aspects of normal family life with their billets, from family meals to taking on active “big brother” roles at times with their younger billet brothers and sisters in their homes away from home.
Becoming a host family is a very rewarding, enriching, and unique experience. As a billet, you have the opportunity to provide a stable and supportive environment for a promising young athlete pursuing their hockey aspirations. Permanent special bonds are formed between the players and their host families that often last a lifetime.
It is easy to become a housing family for the Provo Riverblades, with a few requirements. We only ask that you provide a separate bedroom and access to meals throughout the day for each player. When players are travelling for away games the team handles all meals. Many players arrive with their own transportation and players also help give rides to those without a vehicle to practices and games. Players provide their own cell phones and electronics.
Housing families are compensated with a 'Host Family Package' which includes season tickets and $375 per player per month to cover grocery expenses. Players provide their own transportation and cell phones. In compliance with USPHL rules, all housing families must pass a criminal background check.
Riverblade players report to Provo in late August and stay until the end of the regular season and playoffs in early/mid March.
We have team guidelines and policies that the players must abide by within our organization, and we expect our host families to uphold and enforce these team rules. Family house rules will need to be communicated to the player when he arrives and are also part of the guidelines for these young men.
The Riverblades are in search of housing families, both short-term and long-term. If you have questions or you are interested in becoming a housing family, please contact Kevin McCloskey at kevin@provoriverblades.com.
