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Billets Make the Difference

July 28, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington Thunder Billet Family
Bloomington Thunder Billet Family
(Bloomington Thunder)

Bloomington, IL - Former Thunder Assistant Captain Ryan Galt (University of Nebraska-Omaha) finished his third USHL season in Bloomington after playing the prior two in Des Moines. Galt had been through the process, but his billet family, Michael and Jennifer Lastuka, had not hosted a USHL player before. Following one season with the Thunder, the Lastuka's enjoyed it so much that they are back for another season as a billet family.

"Ryan was a real gentleman. He was respectful of us as a family and our home, but more than that, he was engaging." said Michael on having Galt in his home for the entire 2014-15 season. "When he had free time he would hang out with us, come to my sons' games, practices, and events. When I was out of town, he would take my son to hockey practice. As far as Ryan goes, he was the perfect player and never forgot who he was representing."

Outside of junior hockey, the word 'billet' is somewhat an uncommon term. Officially defined by the Webster's Dictionary, billet (noun) means "a place, usually a civilian's house where soldiers are lodged temporarily."

While the Thunder players are suited in military jerseys on Military Appreciation Night, they don't categorize as typical soldiers. However they go to battle every day away from home; on the ice, in the weight room, the classroom, and the community.

"It's a little different going into another family's house for the first time. There are different rules, standards of living, and different responsibilities to consider," said Galt who has lived with a few different billet families in the past. "You're able to learn what it is like to live with different people with different situations. You grow up very quickly and learn how to take care of yourself, but it helps a lot to have that support system there."

At the root of it, billets are host homes for the players, but they are so much more than that. Bloomington's players are not playing for money and paying for rent when they arrive. They need a family to support them during some of the toughest days of their lives.

Those acts of kindness go a long way. Ryan enjoyed the support from his billet family and was extremely grateful toward their happy approach. "The most important thing was that I could sit down, have an adult conversation, and ask them questions I would ask my own parents. (The Lastukas) were always supportive and it was great to come home to a happy family every night.

"And also the meals were really, really good over there, so that was a plus too," continued Galt with a chuckle.

Mr. Lastuka has now been a member of a billet family. His main advice for others considering it; "Create an open environment and keep the lines of communication open. These guys are a different level of player and understand the expectations. Be open minded, open hearted, and be prepared to make them a part of your family. The only hard part is letting go at the end."

The formal requirements of a billet family are simple: provide a player with his own room and furniture, meals, and help him with washing his clothes. In lemans terms, treat him as if he were your own son. The foundation of a strong billet family is building connections and making friends that last a lifetime. In return, the family receives a nominal sum of money and season tickets to watch their billet son night in and night out.

Building character is just as important as their play on the ice. They are out in the community, helping at non-profit organizations, schools, or community events. Many players also take classes. Some go to local high schools or community colleges.

"As one of the captains he took his role with the team very seriously. Ryan had a great work ethic. He was early for everything he did and also took school very seriously. For my kids to see that kind of hard work, I just wanted to hug him," said Galt's billet father on Ryan becoming a role model inside the family.

"There were times where he would be at practice or community events and still would take the time to come to my sons basketball games because he didn't want to miss it. He really was part of the family and make no mistake, there were some tears shed when he had to leave."

When billets welcome players into their home, they also bring the dramatic highs after a win to the crushing lows of being a healthy scratch. Junior players often struggle through the tough reality that hockey is a business and often, they just need support or someone to talk to. Like another son in the family, the billets in Bloomington have helped players through these tough times. As in any relationship, there is bound to be a give and take as well. Thunder players and the organization as a whole are behind our billet families whenever support is needed.

"We can't begin to thank Ryan, the organization, and Donna (Wampler). Their support and communication made a world of a difference all around," said Michael. The Lastukas will once again host a player from the Thunder and will keep their ties to their former billet son. "We have continued to stay in touch with him and his family. Overall, we had an incredible experience."

To become a billet for the 2015-16 season or a temporary billet for training camp, please contact the Thunder's Billet Coordinator Donna Wampler. She can be reached at (309) 434-2982, by email at Donna@bloomingtonthunder.com, or by stopping by the Thunder office from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Record NHL Draft: A record 37 USHL players were selected in the 2015 NHL draft. 29 of those selected played against Bloomington at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in 2014-15 over 25 of the Thunder's 30 games at home. Ten others drafted were USHL alumni. Of the 32 first-round picks, the USHL saw four selected in the top ten and eight overall.

Season and Partial Ticket Plans: The 2015-16 season will be here before you know it and for just $50 we can reserve your season or partial tickets for the Bloomington Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Season Tickets start at just $240 and youth season tickets are $150 including all of the same benefits. You'll also have a chance to win a pair of Chicago Blackhawks regular season game tickets during the 2015-16 season.

Can't make it to every game? Check out 20 and 10-game ticket plans starting at only $100. Make it a voucher pack and get all the same benefits with more flexibility.

Reserve your tickets for the 2015-16 season by calling (309) 434-2980.




Images from this story

Bloomington Thunder Billet Family
Bloomington Thunder Billet Family
   



United States Hockey League Stories from July 28, 2015


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