Every season, Powell River residents venture out during the fall and winter to watch the Powell River Kings play, but what many people may not realize is that without members of the community opening their homes to the players, the Kings might not exist at all.
“My family and I have been billeting players for about 12 years,” said Rob Villani. “A friend of ours billeted players at the time and told us about it, and we decided to get involved.”
Most Kings players come from outside Powell River, and are between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. Generally, they attend school as well as play hockey, and for some, their time with the Kings is their first time living away from home. These players are housed with families in the community for the season, which helps create a supportive environment around them.
“You’re not babysitting; the players make their own breakfasts and lunches, and they join you for family dinners and other activities, but you are their support,” said Villani. “You’re providing a family unit for young people who may be away from home for the first time. You need to be there for them after the excitement wears off and they might be missing their family, and you become a built-in support network for them through the season.”
Villani, who is currently billeting Michael Abgrall, a 15-year-old forward from Richmond, BC, points to the benefits for his family as well.
“When we started billeting, the players became big brothers to our two children; now that my youngest is in grade 11, they’re friends since they’re closer in age,” said Villani. “Billeting players has really expanded our family. Most of the players keep in contact with us, and come visit if they get a chance. It’s so rewarding to see them move on into their adult lives and know that you were a part of making them who they are today. Our first billet is now playing hockey in Germany, and if we hadn’t been here to support him in his time with the Kings, his life might have taken a different direction.”
Villani is a hockey fan, and his role with the Kings has expanded since he began billeting players.
“I’m now on the board of directors for the team, and also one of the Kings’ three governors on the board for the BCHL,” he said. “It’s a great way to give back to the team that has given so much to our community.”
While Villani and his family are currently billeting only one player, that has not always been the case. Many years, they have billeted two, and started last season with three because there weren’t enough billet families for all the players.
“I definitely encourage families to consider billeting a Kings player, especially if you’re a hockey fan,” said Villani. “You’re not going to get rich doing it, but there are many other rewards. It really helps the community and the team, and for us it’s been a great experience.”
For more information about becoming a billet family, go to the Kings’ website at powellriverkings.com/billeting.
