Be a Host Family and Make a Difference

Although the team wants to rely on as many local players as possible, we expect to have about ten young people from outside the Gatineau region in our line-up who will need to stay with a boarding family during their stay with us.

When a player is drafted into the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League, this often means that a young man between the ages of 17 and 20 must move away from his family and friends in order to continue playing his sport and going to school. This is why each team in the QJHL has boarding programs adapted to their team, their city and their region.

Although we are entering a rebuilding year, we are currently putting together a very specific boarding program, tailored to each player who requires a boarding family. We are currently looking for families who wish to host one of our athletes for the 2022-2023 season.

We would like to place each out of town player with a family in the community and spend the entire field hockey season with them. These families are expected to provide more than just a bed to sleep in; they are expected to provide a place for nutritious meals and support in times of need. Most importantly, families must ensure that the player feels at home, like a member of the family.

A player could be with the same team and family from 1 to 4 years, unless a trade is made or a change is needed. The boarding school becomes his second family and the community his secondary hometown.

For the boarding family, it is of course an investment of time and energy, but to allow a young person to live their dream of playing field hockey while pursuing their studies is an exciting and very rewarding project for all members of the family.

All boarding parents must be interviewed and at that time the boarding manager will visit their home. All potential boarding families must meet the standards set by the Gatineau Flames organization. It is important to remember that the boarding houses are considered the "off ice" team of the Flames. Without them, the "on-ice" would not be successful.

Responsibilities of the billet families

• Provide a private room with one or more double beds.
• Provide a study area for study.
• Ensure that family meals are encouraged.
• Provide an understanding attitude and easy communication (internet, etc.). Any concerns regarding the player should be directed to the billet coordinator.
• Ensure that the player feels at home and comfortable at all times.
• Enforce the code of conduct established by the Flames, in collaboration with the organization.

Benefits to host families

• A pair of tickets to all home games of the season, including the playoffs.
• A monetary compensation
• Precious memories of a very special human experience.
• Daily support from the Flames' Boarding House Manager and organization.

Services provided by the Flames for the players

• Arranged transportation to school and field hockey functions.
• Educational assistance - educational staff.
• Medical - medical staff and Flames organization.

Contact us for more information! If you are interested in being part of the team and becoming a host family, please contact Martin Lahaie by email at mlahaie@flamesgatineau.com