The Barrie Colts are looking for local families to open their homes to junior hockey players for the 2026-27 season. The Ontario Hockey League team posted the call on July 7, asking Barrie residents to become billet families and host the young athletes, who often come from across Canada and the United States.
Families interested in hosting a Colt can reach out to the team at [email protected]. More details about what hosting involves are available on the team’s Billet Program Information page.
Host families provide a player with a private bedroom, meals, and a supportive home from mid-August through the end of the season in March or April. In return, families receive monthly pay and a pair of season tickets to watch the Colts play at Sadlon Arena. The team also holds an annual appreciation night to thank the hosts and highlight the lasting bonds that form over a season.
All prospective billet families go through a screening process that includes background checks. The effort helps create a safe place for players to grow on and off the ice, team officials say.
The Colts are coming off a deep playoff run to the OHL Championship Series in 2026. The team expects a fresh look on the roster this fall, as several key players have moved on to pro and college commitments, raising the need for stable homes for newcomers.
