USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Griffin Family Highlighted as "Billet Family of the Year"

Published on May 19, 2021 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH - Phantoms players leave home each year to play the highest level of Junior Hockey in The United States. These players will live with billet families who provide not only a place to eat and sleep but to provide a family life to our players who are often away from home for the first time.

Taking a player or players into your home is an incredible commitment and while it oftentimes leads to lifelong bonds, it is also a significant responsibility. The 2020-2021 season posed an additional challenge as we all dealt with the realities of a pandemic and all of the associated health concerns.

The commitment made by all of our billet families was incredible and all are deserving of the Billet Family of the year award. We have been asked to choose one recipient of this award and after careful consideration, we have chosen the Griffin family. Ken, Lori and McKenzie for this honor.

The Griffin family attended their first Phantoms game in the 2013-2014 season. They were immediately hooked because of our family oriented atmosphere and the excitement of watching Phantoms hockey. They became season ticket holders for the 2014-2015 season and for the 2019-2020 season they became a Billet Phamily.

This year may have not been an easy year due to COVID, but the Griffin family went above and beyond to support each and every player that has lived with them. They make it a point to come to each Phantoms game to cheer on their player. They also travel to see the players that have lived with them. Lori would make each player a homemade cake for their birthday to make it feel a little bit more special for them.

We are extremely blessed to have the Griffin Family as part of the fabric of our hockey team and organization. This recognition is very well deserved!

"Covid-19 has posed challenges to each and every one of us. The prospect of welcoming young hockey players into your home during a pandemic had significant implications for the families doing so. The billet families of the Youngstown Phantoms not only did so, but did so with open arms. The Griffin family went above and beyond to make sure the players were safe and well taken care of. It is our privilege to nominate the Griffin Family as billet family of the year for the Youngstown Phantoms." stats the Phantoms Billet Coordinator, Megan Ellashek

"In an especially trying year with the pandemic and extra safety precautions for our players, our billet families have played such a key part in a successful 2020-21 USHL season," said USHL President & Commissioner Tom Garrity. "All of our billet families for all of our teams this year did an outstanding job and we cannot thank them enough, but we are again excited to give our Clubs the opportunity to highlight specific families that they feel went above and beyond in the duties that we ask of them every season."

Interested in becoming a billet for the Phantoms Phamily, head on over to https://www.youngstownphantoms.com/billetfamilies for more information.

Not interested in billeting but would like to be a part of the Phamily, become a season ticket holder. Each household ticket includes a free beer or fountain drink to every game making for an incredible value. Full season tickets start at just $400 for Attacking Zone. Phantoms Phlex ticket plans for the 2021-2022 season are also on sale now starting at just 10 games for $150 including 10 parking passes. The Phantoms are also accepting deposits for groups, suites, and birthdays 2021-2022 home games. Schedule your group outing with us today!

For more information, call 330-747-PUCK or visit YoungstownPhantoms.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from May 19, 2021


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