Blizzard Billet Insider: The Jensen Family

The 2013-2014 season for the Brookings Blizzard men’s hockey team has come to an end, and this means more than just packing away those skates and sticks. These young hockey players, hailing from all over the nation and the world, will also be saying goodbye to their Brookings area host families.

From August to April, folks known as “Billet Families” offer their homes and daily lives to players for varying lengths of time.

The reasons Billet families choose host players are as unique as they are, and so we’ve been asking some of them to share a little about the experience. Here’s the Jensen family!

Q: How many seasons have you been a Blizzard host family? Please list the players you've hosted.

A: We have hosted both seasons that they have been in Brookings.

Sean Mostrom (2012-2013 season)
Erick Majerle (2012-2013 season)
Cody Marooney (2012-2013 season)
Conor Andrle (2012-2013 season)
Eric Brenk (2012-2013 & 2013-2014 season)
Jono Lindquist (2013-2014 season)
Christian Fosse (2013-2014 season)
Beau Michaud (2013-2014 season) and planning on 2014-2015 season

Q: How did you become interested in being a Blizzard host family? 

A: Our oldest was starting hockey last year at age 6. Neither of us had played hockey, and we heard the Blizzard were short billet families. We have plenty of room, so we offered to help out. It all happened in about 4 days.

Q: What's your favorite part of hosting Blizzard hockey players?

A: Watching our kids interact with our players and all the other players that we get to know. Adding to our family with the players and their families.

Q: What's your favorite memory(ies) from the 2013-14 Blizzard Hockey season?

A: Welcoming Eric Brenk back for a second season as our “oldest”. Traveling to Cloquet to watch the Blizzard take on the Wilderness. We got see all our Blizzard boys play, see Brenk play for his new team and meet the Michaud family. The morning of the Super Bowl, we went from having a few of the players out for the game, to the whole team out for the game.

Q: Who are the members of your family and what do they love about hockey? Do you or your kids play hockey? If so, how long have you/they been playing and at what levels? 

A: Tim & Lynal, Egan (7) and Max (5). This is Egan’s second year in hockey. He loves everything about it. He is playing AAA with Legends Hockey this summer. He’ll be a Mite in the fall. Max started this year as a Termite. He likes to skate and he loves playing street hockey and knee hockey with the Blizzard players. According to Max, he needs to get a little bit bigger to play hockey on the ice.

Q: Any closing remarks?

A: I love watching hockey because of the constant action. Plus, the families that we have met so far in Ranger and Blizzard hockey have been some incredible people!

Blizzard Billet Insider: The Becher Family

The 2013-14 season for the Brookings Blizzard hockey team has come and gone and young hockey players, hailing from all over the nation and the world, recently said farewell to Brookings residents who have become surrogate families.

From August to April, folks known as “Billet Families” choose to share their homes and daily lives with these young men - some for the entire, 10-month hockey season.

The reasons Billet families choose to host players are as unique as they are, and so we’ve asked some of them to share a little about the experience. We interviewed Renae Becher; she’s a veteran hostess, and as far as she’s concerned, this season was only the beginning of her tenure as a Billet Family member. Her responses are featured below. 

Q: How many seasons have you been a Blizzard host family?
A: We have been a host family since the Blizzard came to Brookings - so, this is our second season!

Q: What interested you about becoming a Blizzard host family?
A: We had heard through our youth organization that the team was looking for families. We thought about it until the very last minute, and decided it would be a good way to give back to a sport that gave our son so many years of good memories.

Q: What's your favorite part of hosting Blizzard hockey players?
A: There are so many great things about hosting. It gives my kids good role models. We have had some pretty wonderful boys come through our house, and they’ve had some fun interactions with the kids. Another thing I really enjoy is getting to know these young men and keeping up with them when they leave. We still keep in touch with several boys; we’re so happy to watch them succeed!

Q: What's your favorite memory, or memories, from the 2013-14 Blizzard Hockey season?A: Oh boy! Well first, I would have to say when we hosted a poolside BBQ at our house at the beginning of the season. The boys just had a great time getting to know one another more and really relaxing before the tough season began. They had a belly flop contest with the rookies and let me tell you that they did really well! I believe Wyatt Schmidt won that contest with a very red stomach to prove it!

Another fun memory I have is when we hosted a progressive dinner. Our group had the boys do “Minute to Win It” games with their meals. For example - I had the boys move an orange with a banana tied to a string around their waist. The boys were so into it, they were going crazy. One of the boys (who shall remain nameless) was totally grossed out by bananas and would not touch them, so I had to help him out. It was absolutely entertaining. Then, since I was the last house on the progressive, most of the players ended up squeezing in our living room to watch the movie “Dodgeball.” A great night!

Q: Who are the members of your family and what do they love about hockey? Do you or your kids play hockey? If so, how long have you/they been playing and at what levels?
A: Well, the family includes me, Renae- Billet mom extraordinaire (Haha!), Sam, my husband who played hockey growing up and then some men’s league as well, Brianna, our daughter who is a junior in high school, and Evan who is 13 - he currently plays Bantam hockey. We all love the excitement of the game!

Q: What would you tell someone who's considering becoming a Blizzard host family for the 2014-15 season?
A: Well, I think it’s hard when you lose your first player. They become a part of your family and when they leave, it can be hard. But, the joys that we have experienced far outweigh when they leave, or even when we have a had a hard experience with a player. This season, we have been blessed with such wonderful young men; they are why we come back and do this year after year. We’ve also formed some pretty great bonds with other families through the experience. We sit at games together and cheer or scream, depending on the call! It’s a blast!

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Don't close yourself off to doing it... I think you would be missing out on a wonderful time. I am not looking forward to sending our boy home after the season. We have grown quite close to him, and we hope that he has really enjoyed his time with us as well.

Blizzard Billet Insider: The Weber Family

We’re about to close the book on the 2013-2014 season for the Brookings Blizzard men’s hockey team, and this means more than just packing away those skates and sticks. These young hockey players, hailing from all over the nation and the world, will also be saying goodbye to their Brookings area host families. 

From August to April, folks known as “Billet Families” offer their homes and daily lives to players for varying lengths of time.

The reasons Billet families choose to host players are as unique as they are, and so we asked some of them to share a little about the experience.

While some families may be new to the program, for Shawn and Jen Weber, this season is only the latest in a series of hosting experiences. Here’s what they had to say.

Q: How many seasons have you been a Blizzard host family? Who have you hosted?
A: We’ve worked with the Blizzard for two seasons now, and we’ve had many, many players stay with us. Our regulars have been Conrad Sampair, Spencer Peratalo, Derek Sand, and Cody Marooney.

Q: What interested you in becoming a Blizzard host family?
A: We had just moved into a new house, and we had an extra bedroom in the basement. The youth organization in town was advertising that they still needed housing families at the last minute before last season. The boys were moving in on Sunday, and we agreed to house a player the Friday before!

Q: What's your favorite part of hosting Blizzard hockey players?
A: This year, our player has really become a part of our family. We do lots of things together, and he’s really like an older brother to our kids. We support him like he’s our own, and it has been an amazing experience to be a part of his life decisions about college, hockey, and career.

Q: What's your favorite memory, or memories, from the 2013-14 Blizzard Hockey season?
A: Oh wow. That is a tough one – we have a lot of great memories from this year. Actually, there are many little things that serve as great memories. Playing board games, “knee hockey” tournaments, choosing pumpkins at the patch, learning the piano together, player cooking night, and getting to host our player’s family are all things we will always remember. Our player enjoyed creating art projects with our daughter too.

Q: Who are the members of your family and what do they love about hockey? Do you or your kids play hockey? If so, how long have you/they been playing and at what levels?
A: We are a married couple with two kiddos. Lilli is an 8 year old dancer, who supports hockey because the rest of us enjoy it. Zach is an 11 year old PeeWee hockey player - he started playing when he was 3 ½ years old. We think hockey is one of the more intense sports - it’s as much a head game as it is a physical one. We enjoy the different ways players showcase their talent - be it their finesse, strength, or strategy

Q: What would you tell someone who's considering becoming a Blizzard host family for the 2014-15 season?
A: I would tell anyone to give it a try! If it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t work, but you might be missing out on amazing memories and the unique opportunity to support a young man who is trying to play college hockey. I would tell potential host families to ask lots of questions, and to know that players aren’t perfect. I’d also tell families that the Blizzard need host families for even just one week. Give it a shot!

4 Ways to Spot a Hockey Parent

Hockey parents are among an elite group of sporting parents. Much like hockey players, their parents must be dedicated individuals. Here are four ways to spot a hockey parent at a game or in public. 

1.  Road Warriors
Parents are always on the road taking their loved ones to and from practice, games, and tournaments. For many parents, commuting to support their little ones is a second job. Stay on the lookout for SUVs and mini vans with team stickers, worn down tires, and a driver with an extra large latte in hand. 

2. Sore Backs
Hockey equipment is among the heaviest in sports with some players' bags reaching 65 lbs. While it's up to most players to carry their own bags, hockey parents are often stuck with the task of lifting their children's bags in and out of the family vehicle. Repeated lifting and twisting can often lead to a set of sore back muscles; not to mention toll that hours of sitting in cold, hard bleachers can put on a hockey parents body! 

3.  Flair 
Hockey parents sport their child’s number or face on a decorative button, shirt, or blanket. Face paint and homemade signs are also a giveaway. 

4.  Volume 
Have you ever been to a hockey game and heard a cow bell, booming cheer, or yell?  Chances are you are hearing a devoted hockey parent or parents. Their intimate knowledge of hockey arena acoustics allow hockey parents to fill a building without any electronic amplification. 



Hockey parents are extremely caring and devoted people.  From racking up the miles, to lugging equipment to sporting decorative shirts and buttons, to cheering their hearts out, a hockey parent helps guide their child through a memorable hockey journey. 

Blizz Gear!

Have you checked out the Blizz Shop lately? Whether you are looking for a hoodie, hat or a hockey puck, we're sure to have what you need. Take a look at some Official Brookings Blizzard Gear thats sure to keep you looking good.. now AND during the off-season!!

Click HERE to see all Brookings Blizzard merchandise! 

Blizzard gear is sold at the Larson Ice Center during all Blizzard games or during the week. Gear can also be mailed to you. To place an order for Blizzard gear, please call 605-592-9114 or email Riley. 

Or you can always order online. 

#GearUp

The Blizzard Community

There really is no better time of the year than Thanksgiving (and no, we aren't just saying that because it happens during hockey season). It's that one day where family and friends gather together and eat.. A LOT!! More important than the turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes and yes, even the pumpkin pie, is the action of giving thanks. This year, what we are most thankful for is the Blizzard Community!

What makes the Blizzard Community so great is that it is made up of each and every one of you! Whether you are a Blizz Fan, sponsor, volunteer, local organization or have simply said hello to us in passing, we are always amazed by your continued support. And it's because of this support that we can continue to scream "GO BLIZZARD!!!!" during each and every game that we play. 

As a team, we understand the importance of community and always do our best to give back year round. From helping build a house for the Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity to working with students from Camelot Intermediate School host a food drive, the Blizzard players & coaches are always willing to lend a hand.

Team captain Nick DeCenzo does a pretty good job of summing it up: “It’s a great feeling when you can give back to the community and help those in need of it. It may not feel like a big deal to us, but to them it could mean the world".

This season, be sure to give thanks to those important in your life. We'll end by saying thank you again to the entire Blizzard Community. We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Now go eat!!

Blizzard Hockey: More Fun in a Group!

If you are looking for the perfect place for a group outing with family, friends or co-workers, a Blizzard game at the Larson Ice Center is THE place to be!

Plus, when you purchase tickets as a group you score some pretty GREAT benefits such as special group ticket pricing, group name displayed on the video screen & announced over the PA system, no waiting in lines, an opportunity to purchase ‘Blizz Bucks’ for concessions or merchandise, a chance to participate in various game promotions AND MORE! So gather your friends and take advantage of our special packages and benefits. 

Whiskey Creek VIP Deck The VIP PARTY DECK is the best all-inclusive entertainment experience in Brookings! 

Your ticket includes admission to the game, a catered meal, complimentary beer and Pepsi products and special reserved seating for your group.This area is perfect for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, customer appreciation nights, or company outings. Your group will also be welcomed on the video screen and over the PA system during the game (it is called the VIP Deck after all).

Papa Johns Birthday Package (for our 'shorter' fans) Your child will have a birthday party to remember!

The package includes 10 student tickets, 2 adult tickets, 2 Papa John's Pizzas, 12 Pepsi products, a Blizzard t-shirt for the birthday child, name and picture announced on the video screen and the birthday child gets to sit on the Blizzard bench during warm-ups!

Call the Blizzard office at 605-592-9114 or email Riley for more details.. We'll see you (and your group) at the next game!! 

#FearTheClaw

Need a Ride?

Need a ride to the Blizzard game? 

The Blizzard have partnered up with Brookings Area Transit Authority to provide FREE rides to and from ALL Blizzard home games. 

The bus will start running at 6:00pm on game nights with various stops around town. After the game fans can then catch a ride back to their pick-up location or downtown. All you have to do is choose the location that works best for you! 

Bus Schedule:

6:00- Corner of 6th and Main behind Moriarty Rental
6:10- SDSU Student Union, East Entrance
6:20- Buffalo Wild Wings Parking Lot
6:30- Drop Off at Rink
6:40- Corner of 6th and Main behind Moriarty Rental
6:50- SDSU Student Union, East Entrance
7:00- Buffalo Wild Wings Parking Lot
7:15- Puck Drops

We'll see you at the game! 

Join Us For EVERY Second Of The Action!

Soon the dreaded summer heat will be gone and the BEST time of the year will once again be upon us: we're talking hockey season here people!! 

T minus [click here] days until the Blizzard hit the ice for our second year at the Larson Ice Center and we're gearing up for quite the season. And because a hockey team is nothing without the support of great fans, we want YOU to join us for EVERY second of the action!!

This year we're offering a pretty sweet promotion for those who buy season tickets! Its simple really- purchase season tickets before Sept. 20th and you'll have the chance to: 

• Drop the opening puck on opening night,
• Win an autographed Blizzard Jersey AND
• Score two VIP Party Deck tickets to opening night

Sound good? Check out all of our season ticket options HERE! 

On the other hand, if sitting in the stands isn't quite enough action for you, we are always looking for new people to join our team. Become a member of the Blizzard Game Day Staff in one of the following positions:

• Ticket Operations
• Merchandise Sales
• Goal Judge
• Penalty Box Attendants
• PA Announcer and In-Game Host
• Camera and Video Screen Operators
• Ushers/Security
• Beer Garden Staff
• And MORE!!!

Volunteers receive discounts on merchandise, game tickets, and other perks. Interested? Sign up HERE! 

Long story short, whether you prefer to watch the action from the stands or participate first hand as Game Day Staff, we hope that you'll join us in making this an unforgettable season! #GoBrookings 

Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready Blizzard Fans! The NAHL recently released the 2013-14 regular season schedule. Entering its 38th season, the NAHL is oldest and one of the largest USA Hockey-sanctioned junior leagues in the United States. The NAHL prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. This past season, over 170 players made NCAA college commitments.

We are VERY excited and proud to be a part of the NAHL's Central Division alongside the Aberdeen Wings, Austin Bruins, Bismark Bobcats & Minot Minotauros. This year the claw is coming out full swing! #FearTheClaw

Check out the full list of Brookings Blizzard Games below. Oh, and don't forget to Mark Your Calendars.. our FIRST GAME of the season is Wednesday, September 18th @ Michigan!

• Wed. 18 Sep. 13 Brookings at Michigan 
• Thu. 19 Sep. 13 Wichita Falls at Brookings 
• Fri. 20 Sep. 13 Odessa at Brookings 
• Sat. 21 Sep. 13 Brookings at Kenai River 
• Fri. 27 Sep. 13 Aberdeen at Brookings 
• Sat. 28 Sep. 13 Brookings at Aberdeen 
• Fri. 4 Oct. 13 Austin at Brookings 
• Sat. 5 Oct. 13 Brookings at Austin 
• Fri. 11 Oct. 13 Bismarck at Brookings 
• Sat. 12 Oct. 13 Brookings at Austin 
• Fri. 18 Oct. 13 Bismarck at Brookings 
• Sat. 19 Oct. 13 Brookings at Bismarck 
• Thu. 24 Oct. 13 Aberdeen at Brookings 
• Sat. 26 Oct. 13 Brookings at Aberdeen 
• Fri. 1 Nov. 13 Minot at Brookings 
• Sat. 2 Nov. 13 Minot at Brookings 
• Fri. 8 Nov. 13 Brookings at Minot 
• Sat. 9 Nov. 13 Brookings at Minot 
• Fri. 15 Nov. 13 Austin at Brookings 
• Sat. 16 Nov. 13 Brookings at Austin 
• Fri. 22 Nov. 13 Brookings at Austin 
• Sat. 23 Nov. 13 Austin at Brookings 
• Wed. 27 Nov. 13 Aberdeen at Brookings 
• Fri. 29 Nov. 13 Brookings at Minnesota M 
• Sat. 30 Nov. 13 Brookings at Minnesota M 
• Fri. 6 Dec. 13 Brookings at Bismarck 
• Sat. 7 Dec. 13 Bismarck at Brookings 
• Fri. 13 Dec. 13 Brookings at Austin 
• Sat. 14 Dec. 13 Austin at Brookings 
• Fri. 20 Dec. 13 Coulee Region at Brookings 
• Sat. 21 Dec. 13 Coulee Region at Brookings 
• Fri. 27 Dec. 13 Minnesota M at Brookings 
• Sat. 28 Dec. 13 Minnesota M at Brookings 
• Tue. 31 Dec. 13 Minnesota W at Brookings 
• Fri. 3 Jan. 14 Bismarck at Brookings 
• Sat. 4 Jan. 14 Bismarck at Brookings 
• Sat. 11 Jan. 14 Brookings at Bismarck 
• Thu. 16 Jan. 14 Brookings at Bismarck 
• Fri. 17 Jan. 14 Brookings at Bismarck 
• Sat. 18 Jan. 14 Brookings at Minot 
• Fri. 24 Jan. 14 Austin at Brookings 
• Sat. 25 Jan. 14 Brookings at Austin 
• Tue. 28 Jan. 14 Brookings at Minot 
• Fri. 31 Jan. 14 Minot at Brookings 
• Sat. 1 Feb. 14 Minot at Brookings 
• Fri. 7 Feb. 14 Aberdeen at Brookings 
• Sat. 8 Feb. 14 Brookings at Aberdeen 
• Fri. 14 Feb. 14 Brookings at Aberdeen 
• Fri. 21 Feb. 14 Bismarck at Brookings 
• Sat. 22 Feb. 14 Brookings at Bismarck 
• Fri. 28 Feb. 14 Brookings at Minnesota W 
• Sat. 1 Mar. 14 Brookings at Minnesota W 
• Fri. 7 Mar. 14 Aberdeen at Brookings 
• Sat. 8 Mar. 14 Brookings at Aberdeen 
• Fri. 14 Mar. 14 Brookings at Aberdeen 
• Sat. 15 Mar. 14 Aberdeen at Brookings 
• Fri. 21 Mar. 14 Brookings at Minot 
• Sat. 22 Mar. 14 Brookings at Minot 
• Fri. 28 Mar. 14 Minot at Brookings 
• Sat. 29 Mar. 14 Minot at Brookings

Become A Blizzard Host Family!

We are always astounded by the support and love we receive from the local community! It's this support that drives us to play our very best game after game. It's also this support that allows NAHL players from all over the world to join us and play for the Brookings Blizzard Hockey Team.

Players in the North American Hockey League come from all corners of the country and around the globe. Last year alone the Blizzard roster boasted players from Canada, Belgium, and nine different states, including Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, among others. This fall when the team arrives in Brookings they will need a place to live during the season. 

Billet families, or host families, perform an incredibly vital role in the junior hockey experience by providing young men a place to live while they chase their dream of playing hockey at the collegiate and professional level. For many of the players this will be their first time living away from home. Housing families invite these players into their homes to be a part of their family for eight months out of the year.

It's important to note that these players are not a renter but a part of the family. It is not uncommon for players, years after their time in the league, to keep in close contact with their former billet family, keeping them informed of their collegiate, professional and family lives.

When you house a Blizzard player, you aren't just providing a home.. you're building lifelong relationships!

Blizzard Hockey is currently looking for housing families, both short-term and long-term. Families could be those with children in school, ‘empty nesters’, grandparents, young adults, or a variety of different combinations. If you have questions or are interested in becoming a housing family, please contact Riley Courtright at riley@gobrookingsblizzard.com.

The Junior Blizzard Kids Club

Hey Mom & Dad,

Do you have children under the age of 12 who are fans of the Brookings Blizzard hockey team? If you do, check out the Sanford Health of Brookings Jr. Blizzard Kids Club! 

For only $30 your child can become a member of the club. Here is what a membership buys:

• A membership card
• Voucher for 5 student tickets
• An autographed picture of Bernie, our mascot
• A Sanford Health backpack
• A team gift
• The chance to be the Kids Club Member of the Game. The Kids Club Member of the game will get to ride the Mimi-Zamboni and get his or her picture on the video screen.

To become a member, simply fill out a form on our website. 

Please share this blog with anyone you know who has children that would enjoy being members!