The BCHL and Save-On-Foods have partnered to recognize billet families from across the league for going the extra mile to support BCHL players off the ice with the Billet Family of the Week award.
Throughout the season, we will be going pod-by-pod to 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 Billets of the Week.
The pandemic has made things much more challenging for players and their billet families this year, so the BCHL and Save-On-Foods could not be happier to recognize just a few of these great people in our communities.
This week, we will go around the Penticton Pod to find our winners.
Cranbrook Bucks
Family: Reto & Nicky Heiz
Billets since: 2020
Current billeted player: Cam Kungle
Quote:
“Our son Legacy really enjoyed having the boys here, whether it was playing mini sticks or video games with the big boys, or his favourites – enjoying sledding and skating outside with them. Although it was a challenging year for everyone, this was a great experience for our family and we will most definitely be billeting for many years to come! We are looking forward to watching and supporting the team in the rink next season (hopefully) as these players work hard to achieve their dreams.”
-Heiz Family
Penticton Vees
Family: Mike & Jen Rampone
Billets since: 2015
Current billeted players: Grayson Arnott & Devlin O’Brien
Quote:
“Six years ago we decided to become a billet family for Vees players so that we could give them a home away from home. It was important to our family to give back to the community and to have positive role models for our two kids. Over the years, we have had many different players coming and going and we have never had a bad experience. Every player has been responsible, respectful and first class towards our family. We still keep in touch with many of the players because they really became family. The Vees organization has always been very supportive and we love having the players as a part of our family.”
-Rampone Family
Trail Smoke Eaters
Family: Al & Brigid Wertz
Billets since: 2018
Current billeted players: Ethan Floris, Hunter Floris, Connor Michaud & Noah Wakeford
Quote:
“It is important to us to billet because of several areas. We want to provide a nurturing, encouraging, and supportive environment, as well as a place they can be comfortable enough to call home. By supporting the Trail Smoke Eaters, we can give back to the community that we live in.”
-Wertz Family
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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.
