* The SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy program's application for membership is pending and will be considered at the June 2026 AAHA Board meeting.
Student Housing Options
SSS Academy provides two distinct housing pathways for student-athletes who relocate to Phoenix. Whether through our USA Hockey-compliant Billet Program or our standard boarding facilities, every student-athlete receives a safe, structured, and supportive living environment designed to complement their training and academic schedule.
🏒 Billet / Host Family Program — Hockey Only
$6,300 per year ($700/month for 9 months) — paid directly to billet host families
The Billet Program pairs hockey student-athletes with carefully screened local host families in the Phoenix area. This is a time-honored tradition in hockey development, providing players with a family-like environment while they train and compete at the elite level.
What is a Billet Family?
A billet (host) family opens their home to a student-athlete for the duration of the academy season. The host family provides a private bedroom, daily meals, transportation to and from the arena, and — most importantly — a warm, supportive family environment that helps young athletes thrive far from home.
USA Hockey Safe Sport Compliance
Our Billet Program is fully compliant with USA Hockey Safe Sport requirements. This includes:
- All adults (18+) in the household must be registered with USA Hockey
- All adults must complete annual SafeSport Training certification
- All adults must pass comprehensive background screening per USA Hockey Screening Policy
- Maximum of 2 players per billet household (per USA Hockey policy updated December 2024)
- Dedicated Billet Coordinator oversees all placements and compliance
- Written agreements between family, player, and academy
- Regular check-ins and home visits by the Billet Coordinator
- 24/7 emergency protocols in place
What's Included
- Private bedroom in a screened host family home
- Daily meals provided by the host family
- Transportation: NOT provided (players arrange own transportation)
- Family-style living environment
- Laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi and study space
Interested in Becoming a Billet Family?
We are always looking for caring families in the Phoenix area to host our hockey student-athletes. Billet families receive $700/month and become an integral part of our academy community. Learn about the full program, SafeSport requirements, and apply online.
🏠 Standard Boarding — Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Figure Skating
$6,300 per year (9 months)
Our standard boarding program provides comfortable, secure housing for non-hockey student-athletes. Boarding facilities are designed to support both athletic performance and academic success, creating a community where student-athletes can thrive.
Boarding Includes
- Furnished shared room (double occupancy)
- Common areas with study space, lounge, and recreation
- Wi-Fi throughout the facility
- Laundry facilities
- 24/7 on-site supervision by trained residential staff
- Secure building access with key card entry
Food & Meals
Food costs are available for purchase as needed. Boarding students have access to all three Fire 'n' Ice dining venues — Lava's Edge Restaurant, Cross Bar Sports Bar, and Glacier Café — as well as kitchen facilities in the boarding area for self-preparation.
Housing Comparison
| Feature | Billet Program (Hockey) | Standard Boarding |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $6,300 | $6,300 |
| Available For | Hockey only | Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Figure Skating |
| Living Arrangement | Private room in host family home | Shared room in boarding facility |
| Meals | Provided by host family | Available for purchase as needed |
| Transportation | NOT provided (player arranges) | Shuttle service available |
| Supervision | Host family + Billet Coordinator | 24/7 on-site residential staff |
| Safe Sport Compliance | USA Hockey SafeSport certified | Fire 'n' Ice safety protocols |
Total Annual Cost Examples
| Scenario | Tuition | Registration | Housing | Discount | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hockey — Billet + OSA Discount | $30,000 | $1,500 | $6,300 | -$7,800 | $30,000 |
| Hockey — Billet (No Discount) | $30,000 | $1,500 | $6,300 | — | $37,800 |
| Any Sport — Standard Boarding + OSA Discount | $30,000 | $1,500 | $6,300 | -$7,800 | $30,000 |
| Any Sport — Standard Boarding (No Discount) | $30,000 | $1,500 | $6,300 | — | $37,800 |
| Any Sport — Day Student + OSA Discount | $30,000 | $1,500 | — | -$7,800 | $23,700 |
| Any Sport — Day Student (No Discount) | $30,000 | $1,500 | — | — | $31,500 |
Food costs are not included in any housing option and are available for purchase as needed.
Supervision & Safety
Student safety is our top priority across both housing programs:
- Background-checked and trained supervisory staff
- Regular check-ins with students and host families
- 24/7 emergency contact available
- Strict curfew enforcement
- Academic progress monitoring
- Regular communication with parents/guardians
- Zero-tolerance policy for substance use
House Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Curfew (Weeknights) | 9:00 PM (in room), 10:00 PM (lights out) |
| Curfew (Weekends) | 10:00 PM (in room), 11:00 PM (lights out) |
| Room Inspections | Weekly |
| Visitors | Common areas only, with approval |
| Substance Policy | Zero tolerance — immediate dismissal |