This article was printed in the January/February 2025 Issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print or to read the whole issue, check out the digital issue!
In the world of junior hockey, players often leave their families to pursue their dreams, and that’s where billet families step in. For Bethany and her husband Christopher, being a billet family has become a source of deep joy and fulfillment. Welcoming players from the Sioux Falls Stampede into their home, they have discovered that hosting these young athletes is more than offering a place to stay—it’s about building lifelong connections and helping shape futures.
What It Means to Be a Billet Mom
As a billet mom, Bethany provides a home for young hockey players. The players are part of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a highly competitive league for athletes aged 16 to 21. Many of these young men are preparing for college hockey or even professional careers. For Bethany, being a billet mom on their journey towards these goals is incredibly rewarding.
It’s not just about meals and a roof over their heads; it’s about making them feel like part of a family. She provides a cozy home to relax in, cheers them on at games, celebrates their success, and supports them on hard days. A billet family is truly a home away from home.
A Home Away From Home
Bethany and Christopher’s path to becoming a billet family started with a simple announcement during a Stampede game. After years of struggling with infertility, they were intrigued about the opportunity to support youth in a creative way. The next year, they hosted their first player and were hooked. “Being a billet family has brought us so much joy and filled a place in our lives that we were really missing, letting us support and connect with these young players like they’re part of our own family,” Bethany explains.
Since then, the couple has hosted 12 players in just three seasons. Whether they stayed for a few days or even nine months, each player has left a mark on their lives. Junior hockey is a fast-paced world, and they never know how long they will have with each player, so they make the most of it.
Life Beyond the Ice
Life as a billet family is never dull! Their home is often buzzing with activity, from fire pit nights and dart tournaments to teaching players how to cook or do laundry. They have family nights at Dave and Buster’s and make snow forts in the backyard.
They make memories with the boys in their home, like nailing a recipe from a player’s home country and attempting to learn Russian and Finnish (with very questionable success). “But honestly, the moments I treasure most,” Bethany shares, “are those late-night talks—just chatting about life, laughing, and learning from one another.”
The Stampede Family
Being a billet mom with the Stampede has been an incredible experience for Bethany. They get season passes to all home games and are honored throughout the season. The community the Stampede has created has been a blessing and a joy for her. “I have an amazing billet community to rely on,” Bethany shares. “The other billet families, many of whom have been doing this for much longer, have been a great source of advice and support.” But the best part of being a billet mom is still about the players.
“It can be easy to look at Stampede players and think they’re full-grown adults, but the truth is, they’re just kids who are still growing in their hockey journey. They’re kind, funny, incredibly talented, and highly motivated. Getting to know them, even the ones who don’t stay with us is always such a joy.” She goes on to praise the Stampede, “The coaching staff and the organization do an outstanding job of making Sioux Falls a top program in the USHL, and I’m proud to be a small part of it. Every player we’ve met has been a blessing, and I’m excited for the amazing players we’ll meet in the future.”
If you are interested in becoming a billet family and welcoming a player into your family, reach out to the Sioux Falls Stampede. If you are looking for another great opportunity, the Sioux Falls Power also has a need for billet families for hockey players here in Sioux Falls.
