New Bremerton hockey team needs host families

The Bremerton Ice Center is getting a new U.S. Premier Hockey League team in September, and they need host families.

The Sockeyes open its season in the Northwest League Sept. 30 at the Rogue Valley Royals. Its first home game is Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. hosting the Vernal Oilers. It hosts the Colorado Fighting Elk at the same time the next day, and then again Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.

Host families need to provide a bedroom, study space, and healthy meals and snacks (stipend provided). Families receive a pair of season tickets in return. If interested in being a billet family email Sockeyebilletcoordinator@gmail.com.

The owner-president is Andy Eustis and Steve Soto is the coach-general manager. Soto played junior hockey at Alaska and Flagstaff before going to Weber State. He previously coached the Ogden Mustangs. Four players are on the roster; one is from Calgary, Canada; the others from California, Florida and Michigan. Ages range from 16 to 22.

The league was founded in 2012 and consists of over 150 teams. The league is geared toward college and pro placement.

Other homes matches are: Oct. 12, Seattle Totems; Oct. 19, Bellingham Blazers; Oct. 25, the Royals; Oct. 26, the Blazers; Nov. 1, the Totems; Nov. 8-9, the Royals; Dec. 6-7, the Blazers; Jan. 3, the Totems; Jan. 10-11, the Totems; Jan. 18, the Blazers; Jan. 31, the Totems; Feb. 8, the Royals; Feb. 16, the Blazers; Feb. 21-22, the Royals; and Feb. 23, the Totems.