Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1414280
a deta iled application and inter- view process, a home visit, a back- ground check and the completion of Safe Sport training before they can open their home to a player. "It's probably more challenging for the players than for us, between the demands of the program, school a nd being away from home," says Richard Werther, who billeted both John Beecher and Tyler Muszelik. "Our challenge was to make them feel like this was their home and they weren't merely a guest here." I continue to bu i ld relationsh ips with seasoned host families and new groups that join the "housing team." Our ultimate goal is not only to sup- port these student-athletes but to cre- ate life-long relationships with these players and their parents. A few years back, I had the honor of attending a wedding of a USHL/Div. I/ pro hockey player. His brother was his best man and played in the program before moving on to play pro hockey. Between the two of them, three host families were in attendance. It was a beautiful extended family. We should all be so fortunate to have this ongoing support in our lives. "Being a host family doesn't end when the player moves out after his t wo-yea r commitment to [the program]," McKinley says. " We have seen [Flor ida Pa nt hers goaltender] Spencer [Knight] many times in the last couple of years, both on and off the ice, and he always makes a point to see us when he is in tow n. He still ca lls me his billet mom, which absolutely ma kes my hea r t soa r. His mom a nd I continue to talk and have plans to watch him play NHL games next year. It is a relationship that has actually grown in the years since he's been gone." Ref lecting back on the experience both the players and their host families realize their time at the program is about much more than just hockey. "O u r h o c key k i d s w i l l a l ways h ave a place in our family. I love hearing from t h e m a n d k n ow i n g t h ey 'r e h a p p y a n d h a v i n g f u n ," R y a n sa y s. " Ho st i n g i s a unique experience, in that you're really o n l y t o g et h e r a s h o r t t i m e . A n d w h e n they move on, you don't stop cheering and wishing them every success." P Lisa Vollmers is the director of student-athlete services f or USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. PHOTOS BY Rena Laverty As the new season and move to a new family approaches, there are several things that a player can do to make the transition easier: Communicate early and often As soon as a host family is assigned, a player and his/her parents should reach out to the family for introductions, to chat about the two families and what their interests are and to find the commonalities that went into the match. In subsequent phone calls, be sure to talk about expectations and rules, what the player needs to bring to the home, share favorite meals and recipes, and ask about host family rules and how they align with team rules. The more conversations, the better. This will help to alleviate the angst of the player and increase the comfort level of the parents when it comes time for drop off in the fall. A better diet starts now Don't wait until you start the new season to eat right. Now is the time to cut out fast food and start following the nutrition guide of your team that includes healthy lean proteins, lots of green vegetables, constantly hydrating, etc. Getting a good night's sleep We recommend that our players tune- out and turn-out by 9 p.m. Computers, phones and lights off. Better yet, electronic devices stored in another room to eliminate the distractions. The goal is for 10 hours of sleep whenever possible. Develop a structured daily regiment Start by making the bed first thing. Be sure to keep your bedroom tidy and your bathroom clean. In addition, take responsibility for eating healthy, know how to make a few nutritious meals. Finally, move to your new home knowing how to do laundry. These are important life skills that will only make a player more prepared for the next steps in life. –Lisa Vollmers 36 // OCTOBER 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM At right, Lane Hutson with the VanBuskirk boys, and above, Gibson Homer with the Robinet family.