ICEDOGS’ RECRUITMENT

[NiceDawg]

Originally Posted by Blacksox

I could be wrong, but I don’t recall the situation being as dire as you mentioned. Being paired up in a billet home is not that uncommon, even London does that. Last year, I saw many families with single players, some were paired up and there was one group of three.
Check out the Billet Appreciation pictures from last season…
https://niagaraicedogs.net/gallery/g...arch-10th-2019

As for the compensation, is the amount pre-established amoungst all OHL team? For example, Ottawa pays their Billets $550 per month. Are some teams able to pay more or less? Do you know what Niagara pays?

Also, are you sure they are they limiting the catchment area to those in the Governor Simcoe school zoning? I guess that would make sense, but you are right, that would make recruitment of billets difficult. The Billet application form does not specify a specific area of St. Catharines - and I'm pretty sure there are billet families in Welland and NF.

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The high school aged players all go to Governor Simcoe. Having to drive a player to GS from other parts of the city/region would add to the expense of billeting but not necessarily the compensation package. Older players who have cars live in other parts of Niagara for a year or two.

I have had some contacts in the billet world over the years and the level of compensation was between $100 and $150 a week on average, and also included tickets to home games and access to some away games as well. Some players receive rides to school and to Meridian (games and practises) whereas some billets drive. For those that have teenaged boys, you soon realize that food alone eats up (bad pun) most of the compensation, to say nothing of laundry and housekeeping.

[Blacksox]

Originally Posted by NiceDawg

So if many many teams have problems maddog, why is my opinion far fetched? Other teams may not have the same difficulties, so by comparison, they shine in that category.

No doubt problems with 16-20 year old occurs but this must occur league wide? It’s unreasonable to think that kids in other OHL cities are any different than those in Niagara.

I personally know a billet parent who had mostly good and one bad experience, but she was extremely pleased with how the IceDogs handled the situation. She spoke highly of the support provided by the IceDogs organization and how closely they monitor the behaviour of their players.

[Blacksox]

Originally Posted by NiceDawg

The high school aged players all go to Governor Simcoe. Having to drive a player to GS from other parts of the city/region would add to the expense of billeting but not necessarily the compensation package. Older players who have cars live in other parts of Niagara for a year or two.

I have had some contacts in the billet world over the years and the level of compensation was between $100 and $150 a week on average, and also included tickets to home games and access to some away games as well. Some players receive rides to school and to Meridian (games and practises) whereas some billets drive. For those that have teenaged boys, you soon realize that food alone eats up (bad pun) most of the compensation, to say nothing of laundry and housekeeping.

The IceDogs compensation package ($$$ and tickets) seems to be in-line with other OHL teams?

[Blacksox]

JUNE 4, 2019
Become a Niagara IceDogs Billet

https://niagaraicedogs.net/article/b...icedogs-billet

<>We have team guidelines and policies that the players must abide by while with our organization, and we expect our host families to enforce these team rules. Upon being accepted as a Billet family, you will be provided a Billet manual outlining all expectations and policies.

<>Our goal for our Billet families is for our players to have a home away from home, while they continue their education and playing hockey at a high level. Players will have daily practice. Some players will have their own transportation, but transportation to school and practice is a responsibility for the players and hockey operations staff to coordinate.

[NiceDawg]

Originally Posted by Blacksox

If any fan forum members have any recommendations or ideas for improved recruitment practices on those components listed so far (Part I and II), please share.

Sorry thought you wanted answers.

[Blacksox]

Originally Posted by NiceDawg

Sorry thought you wanted answers.

That's why I'm asking?

I don’t know much about Billet program – especially the financial aspect. I’m just asking questions to understand if Niagara's situation is unusually different from other OHL teams in regards to financial compensation. If in fact it is significantly different, I agree it should be something the IceDogs should look to improve on for recruitment purposes. It would be nice if we had a Billet parent on this site weigh in on this.


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[Blacksox]

EDUCATION Part II

[Blacksox]

HOCKEY OPERATIONS (GM, Coaches, Scouts)

[Blacksox]

Updated...

[Red]

Originally Posted by Blacksox

The IceDogs compensation package ($$$ and tickets) seems to be in-line with other OHL teams?

Actually it isn't. Billets in other jurisdictions receive higher levels of cash compensation and expenses. A billet is more than a roof over your head, they are surrogate parents and that pool seems to be running dry locally.

Education is a big factor as well if you are competing with NCAA and all you offer is a public high school, when you should be putting Ridley or Blyth on the radar.

Coaching is the biggest obstacle, Billy Burke doesn't have the credentials and experience to coach a winning team, so who is going to send their son into that environment when there are far better in the OHL and elsewhere.

Financial incentives are another area where Niagara still needs to learn and grow. Other teams have figured out ways to compensate players and families without being shamed, its about time they learned.