Billet Parents Names: Chris and Ken Sali
Billet Parents Since: 1995
Current players billeted: Erik Boers and Dain Sardelli
Chris and Ken Sali are among the most tenured billet parents with the Estevan Bruins hockey club.
They had their first billets during the 1995-96 season, and are in their 25th season of providing a home away from home for young men coming to play hockey in Estevan.
The Salis became billet parents after someone approached them about it at a hockey game.
“We still had three kids at home, and we said no, we hadn’t thought about it,” said Chris. “From there, it just started. I can’t remember who that person is, but I’m grateful that they approached us.”
They have been billet parents since then, with a couple of players a year living at their home. Chris estimates they have had 45 players stay at their home for the long-term, whether that be a few months or a few years. Many more were there for the short-term. At one time, they had four players.
“Luckily we have lots of rooms, a lot of bedrooms, so there’s lots of space,” said Chris.
Billeting has allowed Chris, Ken and their three children to make incredible friendships with the players who have stayed at the Sali home, and with the family members of those players.
“The friendships that were made with those boys at the very beginning, in the early years, they’re still friends to this day,” said Chris.
During good times and bad, happy times and sad, the Salis have been there for their players.
“You go the whole gamut when you’re billeting, because you just have these extended families and things happen. You share in their happiness and their sadness,” said Chris.
Currently they have Dain Sardelli and the recently acquired Erik Boers at their home. Chris described them as nice young men to have around the home.
Billeting can be a lot of work, making sure that the players are taken care of and creating a comfortable atmosphere, and keeping them fed, especially on game days.
But she would recommend the billeting experience to others who have the space, the time and the love of hockey, because they get to watch these young men mature, and continue wonderful friendships after playing days are done.
“They become our boys. I always say my boys and that’s what they are. Whether it was 25 years ago, they’re still my boys. It doesn’t change.”
