As the Coastal Tsunami junior hockey team prepares for its inaugural season this fall, it is seeking local families to stay overnight.
As the Coastal Tsunami junior hockey team prepares for its inaugural season this fall, it is seeking local families to stay overnight.
Tsunami head coach and general manager Brad Wingfield knows all too well that staycation culture is at the heart of junior hockey culture, having been with his first staycation family for more than 30 years as a member of the Kelowna Spartans in 1993.
“I was blessed with a really good family in Kelowna, and when you go to live with a family you don't know, it's really important that they're welcoming,” Wingfield said in a tsunami press release.
“This is a home away from home,” Wingfield said. “We want the players to feel as comfortable as possible and be part of the family. We want to give the Tsunami players their own space to rest and be comfortable,” he added.
Mr. Wingfield's son, Jacob, has followed in his father's footsteps and is now a member of the boarding family.
The press release explained that for young players aged between 15 and 20, host families will be required to provide a “home away from home” in addition to food and shelter.
“It's vital that these athletes are well taken care of,” Wingfield said.
The host families will receive Tsunami season tickets and an allowance for food and living expenses.
“You develop an instant connection and bond with your team,” Wingfield said of why families want to stay in the dorms. “The players are great role models and mentors for the families.”
For more information regarding accommodations for Tsunami players, please contact Sam Storvold. [email protected].
