INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BILLET FAMILY?
The Fernie Ghostriders Hockey Club welcomes young men from throughout Canada and the United States into the community. The players who are selected to participate with the Fernie Ghostriders hockey team are between 16 and 20 years of age, and their stay can last anywhere from a day to an entire hockey season. While they are members of the Fernie Ghostriders, players do not live on their own; therefore, accommodation is required for them.
A monthly allowance will be provided to billets to help offset the cost of food while the player is staying with them, plus two season tickets for each billet home.
When these young men become members of the Fernie Ghostriders organization, they are provided with a billet family to live with throughout their season here in Fernie. We are looking for billet families within the community who are willing to provide a safe place for our players to reside; who can offer a private bedroom, healthy meals and food choices, as well as a positive home atmosphere which will help support these young men in their development on and off the ice.
CREATE LASTING MEMORIES
For many of these young players, this will be their first experience living away from home. Opening your home can help enrich a player’s life, which can also be a very rewarding experience for you and your family, one that creates lasting memories. This experience often leads to lifelong bonds between billet families, the players and their own families, even as the players move on throughout their hockey careers.
Beyond the Game: The Heart of the Fernie Ghostriders
The Fernie Ghostriders are more than just a hockey team. They are a brotherhood, a force of determination and skill on the ice, but perhaps even more importantly, they are a group of young men who understand the value of community. This season, they have shown that their impact extends far beyond the rink, stepping up in every way possible to give back to the town they proudly represent.
When they’re not battling it out in the arena, the Ghostriders are out in the community, making a real difference. Whether it’s ringing the bell for the Salvation Army kettles, volunteering at the local food bank drives, moving families in need, or setting up and taking down Christmas decorations at the Seniors Home, these players never hesitate to lend a helping hand. They embody the true spirit of Fernie—one of generosity, compassion, and teamwork.
Their commitment to service doesn’t stop there. They’ve also dedicated time every week to visiting students at EIDES and Frank J Elementary Schools, participating in reading and mentorship programs, and even hitting the ice with the kids for skating sessions. Their presence in these schools is more than just an appearance; they inspire young minds, showing them that hard work, discipline, and kindness go hand in hand.
Seniors in Fernie have also felt the warmth of the Ghostriders’ dedication. Every week, they show up at the Seniors Home to host Bingo nights, bringing laughter and connection to those who need it most. From Columbia Basin’s Annual Big Buddy Read to chopping and moving wood for local families and even shoveling snow to keep houses accessible to residents, the Ghostriders have proven time and again that they are true community champions.
It’s not just about service—it’s about building relationships and fostering a spirit of togetherness. Whether flipping pancakes at a breakfast fundraiser or lending a hand in whatever way they can, the Ghostriders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Fernie this season. They aren’t just playing for their team but for our Valley.
No matter how much or how little information they were provided beforehand, the players always showed up to their volunteer experiences with fantastic attitudes and flexible skill sets. Their willingness to adapt and embrace each opportunity enthusiastically made a meaningful impact on the individuals and families they assisted. Their dedication and positivity exemplify the values of teamwork, leadership, and selflessness, further strengthening their bond with the Fernie community.
The Fernie Ghostrider Board and Coaching Staff are thankful and proud of the players for not just their goals and victories on the ice but also for the way they carry themselves off it. We look forward to the players taking their commitment to service into the rest of their lives. The Fernie Ghostriders remind us all that being a great athlete isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart. And this team has plenty of it.
