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Bruin Billet Parent profile: Loretta and Dave Millman

Loretta and Dave Millman have been billet parents for the Estevan Bruins since 2000, but the past few seasons have brought a first for them: billeting brothers. Twin brothers at that.
Millmans Bruin billets
Tanner Manz, Dave and Loretta Millman and Tyson Manz. Photo submitted

Loretta and Dave Millman have been billet parents for the Estevan Bruins since 2000, but the past few seasons have brought a first for them: billeting brothers.

Twin brothers at that.  

The Millmans are in their third year of providing a home away from home for Tanner and Tyson Manz, the 20-year-olds from Southey who are in their last season with the Bruins.

“They’re two different people, so it’s just like having two different kids in the house,” said Loretta.

It’s been a great experience billeting the brothers, and Loretta said they’ve been fortunate to always have good kids living in their home who have been really good to them.

The Millmans started billeting because Loretta’s sister had been a billet parent and the Millman’s son was young at the time. He wanted to have a Bruin in the house.

Their son has since grown up, but they have continued to have players at their home, with the exception of a one-season break.

“We found that we missed it, so we got back into it again,” said Loretta.

The Millmans enjoy going to the games to watch their boys, and getting to know the players over the course of the season. It has also enabled them to get befriend the families of those players.

“We still keep in touch with quite a few of them,” said Loretta.

It would be hard to know how many players they have had in their home over the years. They usually have two billets, and just like the Manz brothers, most of the players they have had have stayed there throughout their time with the Bruins.

Loretta said she would recommend billeting to other people. There is some work associated with being a billet parent, but most of the players she has encountered will do their own laundry and help out with tasks such as the dishes. The players are learning to be independent, just like other teenagers. 

“I would tell them you’re not getting into to make money, you’re into it to just help the club out and to make some good friendships,” said Loretta.