Ernie and Patti Gagne's Billet Experience
December 22, 2010 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release
Ernie and Patti Gagne, along with son Scott (senior at LHS) and daughter Stephanie (a sophmore at college) have opened up their home this hockey season to their 5th player, Christophe Lalonde. Most of the players they have hosted have only been around for training camp with the exception of Christophe and last year's Marc-Andre Perron.
What do you love about being a billet
"You feel like you have a new family member" "You fall in love with them (players) as if they were one of your own children." Patti admits even when the players leave,whether its only for a short period of time, she cries. Having a Francophone player also helps out billet brother Scott with his French.
Do Christophe's parents have expectations of you and Ernie
"Just to keep him safe, warm and comfortable. To make sure he keeps up with his school work. And FED." (Christophe smiles will eating Honey Combs)
Do you keep in touch with past players
Ernie and Patti keep in touch with Marc-Andre Perron. They have visited him and his family north of the border. As well as Marc and his family have come down to Lewiston.
Do you get that nervous"parent" feeling with your player on the ice
Ernie "No, I'm usually too busy in the annoucer's box." Patti" Not really nervous, I try to stop to catch him (christophe) play, when i'm not selling 50/50."
Any funny moments with a player
"When Christophe recently came home from a road trip, he looked at me (Ernie) and proceeded to tell me about the bus "hitting a freakin mouse" Ernie realized what christophe meant to say and asked if he meant they hit a moose, Christophe laughed it off.'
"He lives very comfortable here" Ernie says. Christophe just smiles and laughs as he is chilling out in Ernie's recliner.
Editors note: The MAINEiacs are eternally grateful for 'super supporters' like the Gagne's who are involved in all aspects of the organization, as billets, business partners, season ticket holders and game night support staff. Thank you for all that you do!
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from December 22, 2010
- CHL Announces Rosters and Coaches for 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - QMJHL
- Ernie and Patti Gagne's Billet Experience - Lewiston MAINEiacs
- Sea Dogs Obtain Gritty Forward Alexandre Beauregard - Saint John Sea Dogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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