It is once again the time of year for the Osoyoos junior hockey team to hit the ice for the season, and like many years in the past the team is struggling to find billet homes for their players.
This year, however, the problem is exacerbated because of COVID-19. Owner of the Coyotes, Randy Bedard said that people are a lot more hesitant now to open up their homes to these junior players who need a play to stay through the season from fall to spring.
“If you talk to teams at any level of junior hockey that are going through billeting, they’re having the same issues, they’re having the same problems trying to find homes, to accommodate the players from out of town,” said Bedard.
As the season inches closer to its start date though, Bedard said that things are starting to come together as people almost always step up at the last minute.
Most of the billet homes are in Osoyoos but there have been times when the players have had to stay outside the community (i.e., Penticton). Though it varies, Bedard said that they usually need about 20 homes, or placements. This number changes every year because sometimes a household will be willing to take two or three players rather than just one.
At the moment, there are 12 homes which Bedard said should be sufficient this year.
“I think in the past, it has been easier for various reasons and it’s more difficult now. Some of the homes that we’ve had in the past have been turned into Airbnbs or something…and I understand, I mean, it’s an opportunity for people to make money, because you’re not really making money when you’re billeting a hockey player, you’re providing a wonderful community service,” said Bedard.
Finding billet homes is one of the biggest worries every year, said Bedard, but at the end of the day it always seems to work out.
“It always seems like you’re going to be short, or this is going to be an issue. But I think when it comes down to it, you seem to find a way every year. Not without people stepping up and helping you in that regard.”
More than just a place to stay though, billet homes are an incredibly important part of the player’s experience as teenagers living away from their family and friends for a prolonged period of time.
People who step up to be billet homes are deciding to take unknown players and integrate them into their own family. They give them a sense of security and comfort.
In terms of the season in general, Bedard said they are trying to navigate through the changing restrictions and understand what they will be allowed to do in terms of games.
“I think the biggest thing is just wondering how many spectators we’re going to be able to have at our games. Last season was a complete washout, got in a few games, got halted, and never got started again.”
However, as some restrictions eased last week with the implementation of the vaccine card, the season for the Coyotes is looking promising, hopefully to host up to 450 spectators.
