The Buccaneer players are junior players that do not get paid. The USHL is the highest level of junior hockey in the United States. They are elite level players aged 16 – 20 that are focused on playing at the NCAA Division I college level and at the professional level. On average, we have about 4-6 high school students on the team every year.
Over 100 USHL players each season receive college hockey scholarships due to the respect and notoriety of the league and players. This past season 15 Buccaneer players were committed to attend and play hockey at Division I schools including the University of Vermont, Boston University and the University of Minnesota. Each year, a number of USHL players are selected at the NHL Entry Draft in June – in the 2009 draft, Buccaneer Alex Chiasson was chosen by the Dallas Stars.
The Des Moines Buccaneers are looking for local families that would be willing to open their homes to these exceptional young men. Because these are teenagers who are far from home, it is important to the organization, as well as the USHL, to provide them with a stable environment during their time in Des Moines. We want to find families that are interested in building a lasting relationship with the young men as they attempt to reach their goals and dreams in sports and education. Each family receives a monthly stipend for each player they house, as well as season tickets to the 30 game regular season at Buccaneer Arena. We are seeking comfortable housing situations for our players with families that demonstrate a well balanced family-oriented life style. Buccaneer players make excellent role models for young hockey players aspiring to play at higher levels. They are outstanding student athletes and are committed to their goals and their team. We ask that the families live within a reasonable distance of Buccaneer Arena in Urbandale, IA and hope for continued support from the housing families.
The 2010 – 2011 season will see Buccaneer players arriving in Des Moines in late August/early September with the regular season ending in mid-April and playoffs concluding in May. The players do get a one week break around Christmas, that allows them to go home to be with their families.
Housing a player is a commitment; it’s not always easy but it’s important to us as an organization and as a community to provide these players with the best possible home for their time in Des Moines.
If you have an interest in housing a player this upcoming season, please complete our Housing Family Questionnaire and return it to us. If you have questions, or want to speak to someone, please contact Danielle Rogers at (515) 278-2827 or danielle@bucshockey.com.
