Buc-tastic Billet Family Spotlight!
We are thrilled to introduce another Buc-tastic Billet Family — the Fraaken Family! The Fraakens have been an incredible part of the Bucs organization, and we're so grateful for the love and support they've shown our players.
The Fraakens began their journey with the Buccaneers as season ticket holders. Like many families, their love for the game quickly turned into a love for the players. They made the decision to become a billet family and open their home to Buccaneer players — a choice that has created countless unforgettable memories.
"We loved going to the games and watching the families that supported the boys," they shared. "We wanted our son to have positive role models and to give him another connection to the sport we enjoy. The boys are working to follow their dreams, and we're just happy to be a small part of their amazing journeys."
For many young fans, Bucs players become heroes — and for billet families, they often become like big brothers. As the players live with their billet families for the entire season, it goes far beyond simply providing a place to stay. It becomes a bond. It becomes family. That's what makes billeting so special — and why the relationships built are so meaningful.
This past season, the Fraakens welcomed Jacob Jastrzebski and Eliot Sequin-Lescarbeau into their home, alongside their son, Colton. Colton got the incredible opportunity to grow up alongside two amazing Bucs players and learn from them both on and off the ice.
Some of the Fraaken Family's favorite memories include watching the boys play knee hockey and shoot pucks with Colton. They always go above and beyond to create special moments and help their players feel at home. This season's highlights included trips to the pumpkin patch, decorating Christmas ornaments, mini-golfing, fishing, and more!
They even opened their home to the entire Bucs team for a Super Bowl party — giving Colton a chance to bond with the team and watch his role models enjoy time together off the ice. On behalf of the Bucs organization, thank you for creating that memorable experience for the boys!
It's the little things that make a player's time with the Buccaneers truly unforgettable. It's not always just about hockey — it's about feeling safe, supported, and cared for. Families like the Fraakens make that possible, and we are endlessly thankful.
Thank you, Fraaken Family, for your warmth, generosity, and commitment to creating lasting memories for our players!
About the Buccaneers
Founded in 1980, the Des Moines Buccaneers are a proud member of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's premier junior hockey league. The Bucs have a history of success in the USHL, including 4 Clark Cup Championships, 4 Anderson Cup Championships, and 54 alumni drafted to the National Hockey League, including Stanley Cup Champions Kyle Okposo, Alex Chiasson, Trevor Lewis, Davis Drewiske, and Erik Cole. The organization is committed to developing young players on and off the ice, preparing them for a future in collegiate and professional careers. Known for their passionate fan base, the Bucs play their home games at The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, a multi-sport complex in West Des Moines, Iowa.
To learn more, visit bucshockey.com or follow the Bucs on social media: @bucshockey on X and Instagram, @desmoinesbuccaneers on TikTok, and Des Moines Buccaneers on Facebook. For more information about ticket packages, including season and group outings, please contact (515) 278-2827.
