Become a Billet Family

Open Your Home. Shape a Future. Join the Herd.

Behind every successful junior hockey player is a great billet family. As the Houston Bulls gear up for our inaugural NAHL season, we are looking for welcoming, community-minded families in the Greater Houston area to open their homes to our players.

Billeting is a time-honored tradition in junior hockey. Because our players range from 16 to 20 years old and come from all across the United States, Canada, and Europe, they require a safe, supportive “home away from home” to pursue their hockey dreams. By becoming a host family, you provide more than just a room—you become an essential extension of the Houston Bulls family.

What is Expected of a Billet Family?

Hosting a player requires a commitment to providing a safe, clean, and positive environment. Key responsibilities include:

  • A Private Space: Providing a dedicated, private bedroom for the player, equipped with a bed, closet, desk or table, and internet access.

  • Nutritious Meals: Providing healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks (or the ingredients for them to prepare their own) to fuel an elite athlete’s schedule.

  • A Welcoming Atmosphere: Treating the player as a member of the household—supporting them through the highs and lows of a rigorous season.

  • Guidance: Helping players adjust to a new city, ensuring they respect house rules, and encouraging them to be active, responsible members of the community.

Note: Billet families are not expected to provide local transportation for players.

What the Bulls Provide

The Houston Bulls organization fully supports our host families throughout the entire season to ensure a seamless experience:

  • Monthly Billet Stipend: Families receive a monthly financial stipend to help offset the cost of food and household utilities.

  • Tickets: Complimentary tickets for the immediate household to attend Houston Bulls home games.

  • 24/7 Support: Direct access to our dedicated Billet Coordinator, who handles player placement, housing logistics, and any issues or questions that arise during the season.

  • Team Events: Invitations to exclusive team events, including our annual Billet Appreciation Night.

 

Interested?

Contact our Billet Coordinator

Ashley Hounslow

Email: billets@houstonbullsnahl.com

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the players stay?

Players typically arrive in late August for training camp and remain with their host families through the end of the hockey season (usually mid-April or May, depending on playoffs). There is a brief break during the holidays when most players return home to their families.

Can we host more than one player?

Yes. Many families find that hosting two players is actually easier, as the players provide companionship for one another, carpool together, and share similar schedules.

Are players required to follow house rules?

Absolutely. Bulls players must abide by all team rules, curfews, and training guidelines, as well as the specific ground rules of your household. Our players are expected to be polite, clean up after themselves, and show the utmost respect to their host families.