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Billets an important part of hockey life

When Dustyn Huculiak played Junior A hockey in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, his parents were able to rest a little easier knowing he had great billets. Now Kevin and Kandice Huculiak are doing the same thing for other hockey parents.
Broncos vs. Bruins
Estevan would go on to take the W by beating Humboldt 3-2 on Nov. 3. photo by Becky Zimmer

When Dustyn Huculiak played Junior A hockey in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, his parents were able to rest a little easier knowing he had great billets.

Now Kevin and Kandice Huculiak are doing the same thing for other hockey parents. They are in their second year as a billet family for the Humboldt Broncos.

“Kevin and I always wanted to give back the experience our son had,” wrote Kandice, who moved to Humboldt three years ago, in an email interview. “This was the first time we have lived in a community where we could do so. The bond you form with these young men is amazing. We keep in contact with all our previous billets and it is so heartwarming to be still in their lives.”

Billet families play an important role in the success of the Broncos, who went 0-2 last week and had a 6-12-2-1 record in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, as of Nov. 8.

“Having a good billet family is one of the most important contributors to a successful and enjoyable season. .... Without billet families taking players into their homes, junior hockey teams wouldn’t be able to survive,” wrote Humboldt goalie Brett Clark, who billets with Greig and Carrie Frostad, in a text interview.

Currently the Broncos have 17 billet homes for 25 players. Devin Cannon, the team’s billet coordinator, said the team is being proactive in trying to identify potential billets for this season and seasons to come.

“I think having good billets is very important because it is like a second home for us players,” wrote Connor Swystun, who is now in his third season billeting with Curtis and Jodi Wacker.

Broncos billet families said they benefit in many ways. The Huculiaks, who billet Wesley Shipton and Blaine Caton this season, said it has “enriched our lives by being able to assist these young men.”

Close relationships can form between players and their billet families. Giselle Plemel’s family started billeting three years ago and has had defenceman Greg Moro that entire time.

“Getting to know him and his family has been great! He is great with our kids and always nice to have around,” Plemel wrote in an Internet interview. “We are sure going to miss him after the season is over!”

Cannon, his wife Renee, and two young daughters, Abbie and Tessa, have enjoyed the bond the girls form with the players.

“They become big brothers to my girls and that relationship exists with the players we currently have, and continues with the ones that have moved on,” Cannon wrote in an email interview. “They play video games, mini sticks and board games together. My girls participate in Missoula Children’s Theatre. Each year the girls have had their billet brothers come watch them, not because it is expected, but because they have taken an interest in our family. The boys want to support our girls the same way we support them, on and off the ice.”

The Cannons have been a billet family for three years. They currently have Rock Ruschkowski and Nik Malenica living with them.

There are many intangible benefits that come with being a billet family. In addition to them, the families receive $330 a month per player, 10 per cent off groceries at the Humboldt Co-op, and one adult and one child season ticket per player.

The grocery discount is a new perk this season and will be reviewed annually.

Anyone interested in or who has questions about being a billet family should contact Cannon at  320-7944 or at devincannon1975@gmail.com.

This Week

The Elgar Petersen Arena plays host a pair of Broncos games this weekend. The Flin Flon Bombers visit on Nov. 13. On Nov. 15, the Kindersley Klippers come to town.

Last Week

The Melville Millionaires scored four goals in the third period to get by Humboldt, 6-5, at home on Nov. 7. Melville led 2-1 after the first period, but a Broncos offensive outburst of three goals put them ahead 4-2 at the second intermission. Melville scored three times in the final four minutes.

‘It is one of those ones that left you pretty stunned. ... That is obviously a real tough lesson that we have to learn,” Humboldt head coach Darcy Haugan said.

The Broncos bench boss said mental mistakes have cost the team victories this season. He said the team is looking at video and focusing on correcting these.

“I do believe we are getting better,” Haugan said.

He stated the team is focusing on the process. Since joining the Broncos in the summer, Haugan has emphasized getting better every day. He said that with a focus on the process, results will come.

Wesley Shipton, an 18-year-old from Dawson Creek, B.C., led Humboldt with two goals and an assist. Daniel McKitrick, captain Anthony Kapelke, and Michael Korol also scored for the Broncos. Posch, Moro, and Corey Dambraukas each recorded two assists. Clark had 40 saves on the night.

Tyson Predinchuk had two goals for Melville. Scoring the team’s other goals were Dylan Ostertag, Tyler Kreklewich, Christian Stevens, and Jake Tesarowski. Brandon Wells started in net and allowed four goals on 20 shots. He was relieved by Josh Bykowski, who had 11 saves on 12 shots.

The Broncos lost 3-2 to the Estevan Bruins at the Elgar Petersen Arena on Nov. 3. Humboldt scored in the first and third periods, but Estevan was able to score in all three. Each team had a power-play goal.

Trevor Posch and Moro lit the lamp for Humboldt. Clark had 20 saves on 23 shots.

Scoring for Estevan were Owen LaClare, Keaton Longpre, and Lynnden Pastachak. Nathan Alalouf started in goal for the Bruins. He made 19 saves on 20 shots. Tyler Fuhr came in and stopped eight of the nine shots he faced.

Catching Up With

Joe Davies (2011-2013) is happy to be back on the ice. Last season things started great for the Ontario product as he scored two goals against the USA National development team in his first game with Oswego State University. The next game he suffered a season-ending knee injury.

“Joe’s perseverance and mental toughness are what not only impress the coaching staff but his teammates,” Oswego State head coach Ed Gosek said. “He maintained a positive attitude and proved to be a valuable teammate even though he was unable to play.”

Through three games, Davies has a goal and an assist. Gosek praised Davies for his great attitude, success in the classroom, and for being active in the community. After playing for Humboldt, Davies played nine games at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks before transferring to his New York state-based school.