The BCHL and Save-On-Foods are proud to once again recognize billet families from across the league for going the extra mile to support BCHL players off the ice with the Billet Families of the Month award.
Throughout the season, the league will recognize one billet family from each team and the outstanding work they do to support junior hockey in their community.
Save-On-Foods will donate a $100 grocery gift card card to each of the families honoured as BCHL Billet Families of the Month.
The pandemic has made things much more challenging for players and their billet families, so the BCHL and Save-On-Foods could not be happier to recognize just a few of these great people in our communities.
For December, we recognize billets from the Merritt Centennials, Nanaimo Clippers and Penticton Vees.
Merritt Centennials
Family: Lisa & Shayne Cavaliere
Billets since: 2006
Current billeted players: Jacksenn Hungle and Geoff Bjarnason
Quote:
“It’s life changing. It’s heart changing and it really is like growing your family in an instant. Whether you love hockey or you don’t, that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about opening up your home and giving a space and comfort to kids who are a long way from home. It’s transformative in your heart and in their hearts. They become your kids while they’re here.”
-Lisa & Shane Cavaliere
Nanaimo Clippers
Family: Lisa & Bear Bradshaw
Billets since: 2020
Current billeted players: Andrew Noel & Jérémie Payant
Quote:
“When we first opened our doors for the Clippers organization, we didn’t fully know what to expect, but pretty quickly, our hearts showed us that supporting the these young men was where our efforts needed to be focused. The bonds that we have made with the players will be forever lasting. Being a former chef, I love cooking for the guys every night and then Thursdays nights (barring road trips), we host a themed dinner for some of the players. It is our goal to have every player to our home at least once through the season. We know they all miss their homes and their families, so being able to have them all gathered here for a home-cooked meal (with a little flare), to enjoy some laughs and to have a little team bonding is just so important for them.”
“We are just honoured to be a small part of their young careers by creating a little home-away-from-home atmosphere. Lisa follows the team closely and knows many of their stats. She is one of their biggest fans, cheering them on either from the stands or from the couch. She’s a true “Hockey Mom” sharing the ups and downs through the season and I know the guys appreciate it!”
-Bear Bradshaw
Penticton Vees
Family: Gary Scatchard & Shelie Best
Billets since: 2011
Current billeted player: Fin Williams
Quote:
“Shelie and I are both big hockey fans. Billeting gives us the opportunity to provide the guys a comfortable environment so they can focus on the sport they love, their future development and not have to worry about the little things. We feel blessed to continue friendships with the players and their parents even after they have moved on after their junior career has finished. I especially love that we still receive messages on special occasions from our past players after many years have gone by. It warms our hearts.”
-Gary Scatchard
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Save-On-Foods is excited to celebrate the commitment of Billet Families across the BCHL. These unsung heroes of junior hockey provide caring, safe and supportive homes for hundreds of young athletes in pursuit of their dreams. Save-On-Foods salutes these amazing members of our communities for ‘Going the Extra Mile’ to keep junior hockey thriving in B.C. To find a store near you or shop online, visit SaveOnFoods.com.
