NEW ULM — Billet (host) families are needed for the 2018-19 hockey season for the New Ulm Steel Tier III Junior “A” hockey team.

Host families play a vital role in the New Ulm Steel organization’s success both on and off the ice. These special people open their homes and hearts to Steel players ages 16-20 providing them with a place to live and an environment they can thrive in while they pursue their dream of reaching a higher level of hockey. Host families are expected to treat players as one of their own while providing them with a bedroom and meals.

They will arrive early in September and will stay through March. The players do take an active role in many aspects of family life and are expected to respect the host family rules as well as those of the New Ulm Steel.

The values and principals for success that are essential to become a member of the Steel team will be demanded at the rink, in the home, in school and in the community.

Steel players make excellent role models for younger players aspiring to play at higher levels. Players often keep in contact with their host families long after they are done playing for the Steel.

If you ask any young player that has played away from home, their fondest memories likely include their host family.

The application process gives the team the information they need to ensure the best possible fit with a good pairing of player(s) and their host family.

The host family is compensated $300 a month per player for groceries and expenses. Host families also receive tickets to all Steel home games played at the New Ulm Civic Center. Players do provide their own transportation and cell phones.

If you are interested, you can contact Nicki Anderson by phone at 507-276-7188 for more information and questions and to get the application process started.

In compliance with league rules, all housing families must pass a criminal background check.