The Springfield Pics Jr. Hockey program has players move hundreds--sometimes thousands--of miles from home to train and play here in the Pioneer Valley. While with the Pics, these 15-20 year olds rely on a support team that includes coaches, family, and friends, but the players rely most on their host families, who provide a home and family environment during the player's seven-month stay in the program. The Pics have been fortunate to have many loyal families throughout the years open their hearts and homes to these young men.
In addition to playing, Pics players have been able to complete their high school educations, take classes at local colleges, or hold part-time jobs while pursuing their hockey opportunities and dreams.
What is expected of the host family?
The player needs a room of his own, or can share with a team member. He needs a bed, dresser, closet space and a desk or table and chair. While players are expected to provide bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones, media equipment and take care of their own transportation needs, each housing situation has its own unique mix of these things. The family also needs to provide the players with three meals a day: a basic breakfast, a bag lunch and an evening meal. When the players are on the road, they take care of their own food expenses.
What is expected of the players?
They must obey all team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members. They need to take care of their own belongings.
How long is a host family’s commitment?
This varies depending on the player. Some are with the family during the hockey season only. Others need to complete the school year. Some players go home for the weekend as often as the game schedule permits. All go home over the holiday breaks.
What do Host Families look like?
As with all families, our Host Families are all unique and have included traditional 2-parent families, single-parent families and “empty-nesters” too. The only thing that we look for is a willingness to help a player pursue his dream by providing a “home away from home”.
Some have found it easier to house two players, as they then travel together and are company for each other. There have even been some instances when 3 players, or even 4, have been welcomed by one family.
What do Host Families get in return?
Host Families receive a monthly billeting payment for each player. More important, however, are the opportunities for making amazing memories! Players can serve as an "older brother" and mentor to his host siblings if there are children in the house. Often, these relationships last a lifetime, as the players truly become a member of the family.
Want to talk about being a host family?
Please use the contact form below to contact our General Manager, Rob Bonneau for more information.
In addition to playing, Pics players have been able to complete their high school educations, take classes at local colleges, or hold part-time jobs while pursuing their hockey opportunities and dreams.
What is expected of the host family?
The player needs a room of his own, or can share with a team member. He needs a bed, dresser, closet space and a desk or table and chair. While players are expected to provide bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones, media equipment and take care of their own transportation needs, each housing situation has its own unique mix of these things. The family also needs to provide the players with three meals a day: a basic breakfast, a bag lunch and an evening meal. When the players are on the road, they take care of their own food expenses.
What is expected of the players?
They must obey all team and house rules and show respect and consideration toward all family members. They need to take care of their own belongings.
How long is a host family’s commitment?
This varies depending on the player. Some are with the family during the hockey season only. Others need to complete the school year. Some players go home for the weekend as often as the game schedule permits. All go home over the holiday breaks.
What do Host Families look like?
As with all families, our Host Families are all unique and have included traditional 2-parent families, single-parent families and “empty-nesters” too. The only thing that we look for is a willingness to help a player pursue his dream by providing a “home away from home”.
Some have found it easier to house two players, as they then travel together and are company for each other. There have even been some instances when 3 players, or even 4, have been welcomed by one family.
What do Host Families get in return?
Host Families receive a monthly billeting payment for each player. More important, however, are the opportunities for making amazing memories! Players can serve as an "older brother" and mentor to his host siblings if there are children in the house. Often, these relationships last a lifetime, as the players truly become a member of the family.
Want to talk about being a host family?
Please use the contact form below to contact our General Manager, Rob Bonneau for more information.