STAFF REPORT

The Skipjacks Hockey Club is seeking host families in the area for the upcoming season.

Players would be staying with families from September of this year until March of 2017.

Families are compensated on a monthly basis for expenses, but aren't responsible for transportation.

As the upcoming season for the Skipjacks Hockey Club approaches, the team is seeking host families for its under-16 and under-18 players.

The Skipjacks are a Tier I AAA hockey team that will play out of the York City Ice Arena. Skipjacks players come from all over the country and the team is in need of less than 10 host families for this season.

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Hosting a player involves having that player live with the family from September of this year through March of 2017. The players will attend morning practices and school in the afternoon.

Families are compensated on a monthly basis for expenses involving having that player stay with them, but they're not responsible for transportation. The families will provide room and board, as well as two meals per day — breakfast and dinner. The players will have their own health insurance and spending money.

These student-athletes are to follow all rules set forward by the host family and Skipjacks organization. All players are required to go to school (private or online), work, or be actively involved in community service.

In its fourth season, the Skipjacks' program is part of the United States Premiere Hockey League — the top midget-level league on the East Coast and one of the best in the country. Teams in the league have high exposure to the top junior leagues, NCAA Division I schools and pro teams.

In their short existence, the Skipjacks have already produced eight NCAA Division I commitments, seven United States Hockey League draft picks and 18 USPHL all-stars.

Last season, the Skipjacks' under-16 team reached the league's championship game while featuring four NCAA Division I recruits.

Families interested in hosting one or more players should contact Jason Fowlkes at billetajack@gmail.com, or at (717) 873-1621 or by visitintg www.skipjackshockey.com.