The New Mexico Ice Wolves are reaching out to Albuquerque-area families to help support their junior hockey program by serving as host families for players. Each season, young athletes between the ages of 17 and 20 relocate from across the United States, Canada, and Europe to play for the team while pursuing opportunities in NCAA Division I hockey and beyond.
Host families provide these players with a safe and supportive environment during their stay in Albuquerque. The organization is seeking both short-term and season-long hosts.
In a letter addressed to local hockey families, Head Coach and General Manager Kyle McKenzie emphasized the importance of host families in junior hockey. "Since the inception of Junior Hockey, teenage boys have left home to pursue their dreams in the hockey world. Junior Hockey is THE training ground for elite players, on their journey to college and professional hockey," McKenzie wrote.
He described how living with host families has become a tradition that benefits both players and hosts: "One of the great traditions of Junior Hockey is that these young aspiring souls, move away from their homes and families, and move in with host families. These new host families nurture these young souls and help them navigate life away from their true homes."
McKenzie noted that the relationships formed often last well beyond a player's time with the team. "The relationship between the teenage boy, his family at home and his 'new' (host) family is one of the great side benefits of the entire Junior Hockey experience. The development of these extended family relationships, most often last a lifetime."
He also explained that there is an ongoing need for new host families due to annual changes among both players and existing hosts: "The New Mexico IceWolves are committed to placing players in homes of the highest quality and standards. Our search for new families is ongoing, as there is annual turnover of players AND billet families."
According to McKenzie, potential host families come from various backgrounds—some are empty nesters with extra space at home; others have younger children who can benefit from having an older role model; some simply want to support young athletes during a key stage in their lives.
"Some of the requirements for becoming a host family include the physical space for the young man, a healthy home life, food and more," he said.
Families interested in learning more or applying can contact Greg Bronson or Tina Tomlin at hostfamilies@nmicewolves.com.
