More Than a Place to Stay: How Billet Families Become Part of the Western Capitals Family

By Daniel Cudmore, Director of Media & Branding

Every season, players from across Atlantic Canada and beyond arrive in Summerside to pursue their hockey dreams with the Western Capitals. For many, it is their first experience living away from home. While the organization provides the opportunity to develop as hockey players, billet families provide something just as important: a home away from home.

The impact of billet families extends far beyond a spare bedroom and a few meals each week. They provide support, guidance, encouragement, and stability during an important stage in a young person’s life. Over the years, dozens of Western Capitals players have found that support through local families who have opened their homes and welcomed them as members of their family.

For longtime billet family Mike and Audra MacBeth, welcoming players into their home started simply because they saw a need.

“The young players need a good stable environment in order to feel comfortable and excel,” said Audra. “We felt we could accommodate a player and help out for a season. That one season turned into many.”

What began as an opportunity to support the team quickly became something much more.

“It was surprising to us how quickly the players became a member of the family,” said Mike. “These relationships last for years.”

The MacBeth family says their involvement with players has also deepened their connection to the team and the community.

“We have to admit, the excitement of having a vested interest in the team really transformed us from hockey fans to Summerside Western Capitals superfans,” said Mike. “We feel more connected to the Summerside community through this avenue.”

That sentiment is shared by Kevin Wile and his family, who first became billet parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We thought it would be fun for our kids to have an older billet sibling in the house,” said Kevin. “Over the years, as our kids got older, they all started becoming friends. There isn’t one player our family doesn’t stay in contact with to this day.”

For the Wile family, one of the most rewarding aspects of billeting has been watching players settle into family life.

“When we first started, we weren’t sure how having someone else living in our home would go,” said Kevin. “It’s fun watching them arrive as quiet and unsure on day one to being part of our busy household and joining in our everyday activities.”

While fans often see players’ development on the ice, billet families witness something equally important.

“We love seeing them play the game and grow as adults off the ice,” said Kevin. “It’s the off-ice growth we enjoy the most. Just like any of us at that age, they need support, encouragement, life skills, and expectations.”

For Tim Cain and his family, billeting was an opportunity to create lasting memories for their three young boys.

“Our three young boys are big Caps fans, and we viewed billeting as an opportunity that each of them would look back on as a memorable experience,” said Tim. “We were fortunate to have space to offer the organization, and we were confident the team would provide young men who would be positive influences on our kids.”

The bond formed quickly.

“We were surprised how quickly our players became a part of the family,” said Tim. “Everyone bonded very quickly, and off-day evenings were generally spent with lengthy games of Uno in the living room and late-night debates about who truly is the greatest hockey player of all time.”

Like many billet families, the Cain family discovered that some of the best memories happen away from the rink.

“It’s not really one single moment,” Tim explained. “It’s hockey on the backyard rink, basketball on the driveway, push-up competitions with a six-year-old on your back, and mini sticks in the basement. Our kids benefited so much from having those players around.”

For Cathy Lettues and her family, the decision to become a billet family was inspired by a deeply personal experience.

“One of the biggest reasons our family became a billet family is because I have sons of my own who moved out west to Alberta,” said Cathy. “When they left home, I hoped they would be treated with the same kindness, support, and respect that we try to give the players who stay with us.”

That perspective has helped shape the welcoming environment Cathy and her family strive to create for every player who enters their home.

“These young athletes are away from their families and looking for a place where they feel welcomed and supported,” she said. “As a billet family, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in their lives while gaining a unique and rewarding experience for your own family.”

Over the years, Cathy says the players who have stayed with her family have become much more than temporary guests.

“Every player who has come through our home has brought their own personality, stories, and experiences,” said Cathy. “We’ve made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime, and many of the players who have stayed with us have become part of our extended family.”

When asked about favourite memories, all four families had a similar response: there are simply too many to choose from.

For the MacBeth family, highlights include the Centennial Cup experience, championship celebrations, and even teaching players how to crack lobster for the first time.

For the Wiles, memorable moments include teaching players how to cook, introducing them to life on Prince Edward Island, and sharing countless laughs along the way.

For the Cains, the memories are found in the everyday moments — family game nights, driveway basketball, backyard hockey, and seeing their children build friendships with players.

And for Cathy, it is the collection of family dinners, holiday celebrations, game days, and conversations around the house that stand out most.

“Choosing just one favourite memory would be nearly impossible,” she said.

As the Western Capitals prepare for another season, all four families share a similar message for anyone considering becoming a billet family.

“It’s a rewarding experience to be part of a high-level athlete’s journey,” said Audra. “The relationships you build last long after the season is finished.”

“You get out of the experience what you put into it,” added Kevin. “Every player we have had blended in well with our family, was kind, respectful, helped out with responsibilities, and never once made us regret it.”

Tim believes many people are surprised by how independent and appreciative the players are.

“They’re not needy children, they don’t require servants, nor do they need to be coddled,” he said with a laugh. “In other words, they can load a dishwasher, do laundry, shovel the driveway, and in some cases, make a pretty good plate of steak and eggs.”

And Cathy encourages anyone who may be unsure to simply take the first step.

“If you’re considering becoming a billet family, I’d encourage you to give it a chance,” she said. “You may be surprised by how much you get back from the experience.”

Providing a player with a room is important. Providing them with support, guidance, encouragement, and a place to call home can make all the difference.

Interested in becoming a billet family with the Summerside Western Capitals? Click here to learn how you can play an important role in a player’s journey both on and off the ice.