If you are interested in becoming a housing family for the Des Moines Buccaneers, please fill out the Formstack below.
Every season, the Buccaneers organization seeks additional housing families. If you have a home with extra space, we would love to hear from you. The Bucs meet with all interested families and work to match them with the best possible player.
Perks:
- Monthly cash stipend for each player housed
- Full set of season tickets
- Membership in the Des Moines Buccaneers Mug Club
- 50% off beer & soda at Saturday games (restrictions apply)
- Discounts on Bucs Shop merchandise
- Unforgettable experiences and memories that last a lifetime!
Des Moines Buccaneers Billet Family FAQs
How old are the players?
Our players are between 16-20 years old, with the majority falling in the 18-20 range. We also have a few high school athletes mixed in as well.
When do the players arrive? How long do they stay?
Players arrive in late August or early September, and we aim to place them in their billet homes shortly after arrival. They stay through the end of the season, which can be anywhere from mid-April to late May, depending on how deep we go in the playoffs (and trust us, we're aiming for a long run!).
How important is education to Bucs players?
Education is a top priority. Our coaching staff and players' families expect high school students to stay focused in the classroom and continue developing as students off the ice. For post-high school players, we encourage part-time college classes to keep their academic goals on track while they pursue their hockey dreams.
Do these players hope to play hockey professionally?
Absolutely! The Bucs have a rich history of developing future pros, with 35+ players making it to the NHL and hundreds more playing at the AHL, ECHL, and European professional levels after college. You're not just hosting a player — you could be hosting the next NHL star.
Do players go home for the holidays?
Holiday travel depends on the game schedule. We typically have games over Thanksgiving weekend. For Winter Break, the players go home for most of the first week, then resume their playing schedule the second week.
What meals am I expected to provide?
We ask that billet families provide a healthy breakfast, lunch for the day, and a nutritious dinner after practice. Our athletes are expected to fuel their bodies for peak performance, so healthy snacks and balanced meals are key.
Do I have to provide transportation for my player?
Nope! Most players either drive themselves or carpool with teammates. We do our best to pair players with roommates or teammates who have cars, so transportation is rarely an issue.
What's the best part about being a billet family?
The memories you'll make and the lifelong relationships you'll build. Many of our billet families stay connected with their players long after their time in Des Moines — attending weddings, graduations, and even watching them play in the NHL. Plus, you'll get some awesome Bucs perks like free tickets to home games and becoming part of the Buccaneers family.
Still have questions?
No problem! Our Billet Coordinator, Robin Benkufsky, is happy to help. Email Robin at robin@bucshockey.com.
