Players:
All out of town players will be placed in homes that will best fit their needs with regards to school, transportation and family values. Players will be placed in homes within the Blue Valley or Olathe school districts, both are in close proximity to the rink.

Billet Families:
The host family will receive $275 per month to cover the basic expenses of the billeted player and will receive this directly from the players family.

All players are subject to all house rules as well as team rules governing curfews etc.

More information on housing or if you would like to become a host family contact Don Burns.

Michael Koch

Our family had the pleasure of hosting Jon Cook, a KC Stars Midget player this past season. I have to admit that my wife and I were a bit apprehensive about hosting an eighteen year-old young man in our house but the experience was one that the family will treasure. Our six year old son idolized Jon and while our five year old daughter constantly bragged about her new "big brother". My wife appreciated how considerate Jon was around the house and the way he acted as a positive role model for the children. I was impressed by level of responsibility Jon demonstrated and his dedication to improving himself as a hockey player.

On several occasions we had Jon's teammates over for dinners and I had a chance spend time with several of the players during an out-of town series in Atlanta. I am convinced that Coach Ferschweiler recruits young men that have integrity and character and he instills responsibility and independence in his players.

My family was very fortunate to host Jon and we would welcome him or any of his teammates into our home again.

Best Regards,

Michael Koch

Russ & Carmen McDowell

My family housed three players, all 18 year olds from Minnesota. I was apprehensive about how things might go at first. After meeting Wes, Pat and Alex and getting to know them I found them all to be very respectful, considerate, and good young men.

Our primary activities with the guys were enjoying NHL games or taking in a movie. Our two year old son, Reid, absolutely loved the "hockey boys" and was pretty sure he was one of the guys based on their unconditional acceptance of him.

I can honestly say that I found the housing experience to be a very rich and rewarding one. It was rewarding to us to know that we gave their parents the piece of mind knowing their kids were safe and well taken care of. We also found it very gratifying to give something tangible back to the hockey community of Kansas City by supporting the team in this fashion, to say nothing of making three very good friends.

This past spring my family visited Pat and his family in Minnesota. I went to a CCHA semi-final game between Minnesota and Wisconsin with Pat's dad. My wife and Pat's mom went shopping with the kids at the Mall of America. Both families have become fast friends and we are looking forward to seeing them again.

Sincerely,

Russ McDowell

Scott & Shelley Nicholson

Hockey Players Welcome!

We have been lucky enough to have housed 4 separate young men over the years and the experience has been nothing short of rewarding. We had the pleasure of welcoming 2 young men right out of the gate to live with us for the 2004-2005 season. Our family of 5 grew into 7 overnight! Alan Jechort and Brett Bina, both from North Dakota came as a “package deal”. Our children, who at the time were 5, 10 and 12 were more than happy to have 2 new older brothers. Our only son, Sam, who has played hockey since the age of 5 instantly bonded with the boys. He gave up his bedroom and bath and separate living area (the entire finished basement!) for them, but they “allowed” him full access to hang out with them, play video games, listen to music. . .just be “one of the guys”. They were the big brothers that he never had! Our girls enjoyed them, too. Especially our youngest . . .both boys spoiled her rotten and carried her everywhere. After their initial shyness wore off, family dinners became a regular event with grilled burgers and chicken several nights a week. We got used to having an entire gallon of milk on the table at every meal! Although the season ended and Alan and Brett returned to North Dakota, we have kept in close contact with them. Brett likes to call us on road trips and has visited us twice. We traveled to St. Louis to see Alan play for NDSU. They are truly considered a part of the family.

Our 3rd player stayed with us for only a summer. Mat Hall from Minnesota had played with Brett and Alan, but unfortunately broke his ankle during the season. In order to stay in Kansas City for rehabilitation, we opened our home to him. Much like Alan and Brett, Mat was a welcome addition to the family. He and Sam spent time on the ice as Mat worked toward recovery. He liked taking our girls to the neighborhood pool and also kept active with them on the trampoline (NOT part of his rehab!). He has a fun personality and many times would choose to “hang with the fam” rather than go out with the guys. As with Alan and Brett, we have kept in touch and have followed his continued career playing in NY and now at St. Mary’s in Minnesota.

Our last player came to us straight from the O.C.! What a change from our boys from the north. Hank Van Boxmeer was also our youngest player. He attended Blue Valley Northwest for his senior year while living with us which gave us kids in elementary, middle and high school simultaneously! It certainly was good practice for us when Sam started high school 2 years later . . .what NOT to do. Seriously, though, Hank is a dedicated player with high expectations for himself (his father had a successful career in the NHL). It was fun attending his games and watching him play. A big kid himself, Hank was a natural with the our kids and got in just as much trouble for not cleaning his room, oversleeping and putting his dirty feet on the coffee table, but we adore him and have maintained an ongoing relationship with him as he plays in Canada currently. He calls frequently and keeps in touch with Sam via text message.

Because of a change in our family situation, we were unable to take another player after Hank. We have missed the opportunity to share our home very much and would greatly encourage any families that are considering hosting a junior player to do so! As you can tell by this “brief” testimonial, we are strong supporters of this program and hope that it continues to be successful in Kansas City.

Scott & Shelley Nicholson