Plymouth Whalers' General Manager and Head Mike Vellucci speaks about the good work of a select group of the Whalers' Extended Family several times each season.
"We appreciate the hard work and support of our billet families," Vellucci says regularly. "We wouldn't be successful without their contribution. Win or lose, they open their homes to our players and make them feel like part of the family."
The Whalers are looking for a few more host families (also known as billet families) for players for the 2013-14 season. Training camp starts in late August and the season can run until the middle of May. High school aged players - attending the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park - stay the entire scholastic year before heading home.
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In many cases, a player and his host family become friends for life. Long-time Plymouth billets Tom and Margaret Predhomme housed Justin Peters in 2005-06 and enjoyed the experience so much, they decided to take in brother Alex Peters at the beginning of last season. In between, the Predhommes have housed Jared Boll, James Neal, Chris Terry, Ryan Hayes and brothers RJ and Matt Mahalak.
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Steve and Suzanne Kowalkowski billeted Rickard Rakell for three seasons. Steve speaks about the experience in an interview last season for Whalers Television.
Becoming a host family isn't for everyone. But a family with some room in their home and their hearts may enjoy the experience.
If you're interested in becoming a Whalers billet, please contact Brian Sommariva at brians@plymouthwhalers.com or 734-453-8400 ext. 62223 or Joe Stefan at joes@plymouthwhalers.com or 734-453-8400 ext. 62545 for more information.
