Host Families are the heart and soul of junior hockey and the backbone of our organization. With our extraordinary commitment to player development, the New Mexico Ice Wolves are continuously on the lookout for tremendous local families who have a bit of extra room in their hearts and homes to help support junior hockey in our community and the players on their way to college hockey and beyond.
Every season, some of the top 17-20 year old players from the US, and literally around the world, come to Albuquerque for one of the best hockey development opportunities anywhere. These players are focused young men, dedicated to working tirelessly to achieve their dreams of advancing in the sport, aiming for NCAA Division I hockey and beyond. The individual journeys can be daunting, as they leave behind their familiar surroundings and support systems, which is why having supportive host families become indispensable to the players and to hockey in New Mexico.
By providing a caring, supportive, and safe family environment, our host families create a “home away from home” for our young hockey players. The emotional and psychological benefits of having a family to lean on are critical to help with the stress of relocating to a new community and adapting to a highly competitive full-time commitment to development. Host families offer stability, guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, which can significantly enhance a player’s performance on and off the ice. For a young man striving to take the next step to college hockey, the support, guidance, encouragement and sense of belonging is invaluable to our players and their own families.
For our host families, the experience is exciting and rewarding. In our six seasons of the NM Ice Wolves families have forged lasting relationships with players and their families, celebrating their successes and supporting them through their challenges. Our host families are a critical part of a vibrant and growing hockey community.
The New Mexico Ice Wolves are seeking both short-term and season-long host families, understanding that each family’s contribution can make a profound impact. If you have questions or would like more information about becoming a host family, please reach out to Greg or Tina at hostfamilies@nmicewolves.com. Your involvement could help shape the future of a young athlete and contribute to the growth of the sport.