Sioux Falls, S.D. -  When a young player comes to Sioux Falls, they are welcomed not only by the team but by the entire community. The Stampede is able to provide unrivaled care for its athletes thanks to the support of dedicated billet families. Among them are LaDonna and Joe Brown, who have opened their home to players for over a decade, showing that behind every great athlete is a home that believes in them.

The French term billet, or billeting, dates back several centuries, when soldiers were assigned quarters at the public's expense. The junior hockey community has uniquely adapted this long-standing military tradition. Across North America, families open their homes to players, providing them with a home away from home as they pursue their dreams.

Over the years, the landscape of junior hockey has evolved. Still, the Sioux Falls Stampede and the United States Hockey League (USHL) have remained committed to upholding the tradition, offering unrivaled care for athletes during their time in Sioux Falls.

LaDonna and Joe Brown have been opening their home to Stampede players for the past 10 years. In that time, they have welcomed 54 athletes—sometimes for short stays, sometimes for longer—expanding their family across North America and around the world.

Nearly eleven years ago, as recent empty nesters, Joe and LaDonna attended the Stampede's inaugural game at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center for a date night. As LaDonna flipped through the game program and read about the young players and their journeys far from home, her maternal instinct kicked in. A desire to nurture these young men washed over her. That feeling was quickly met with opportunity: a Billet Families Wanted ad flashed across the video board. LaDonna turned to her husband and said, "We are doing that."

With prior experience as foster parents, the Browns contacted the team's billet coordinator, went through the screening process, and were assigned their first players at the start of the 2015–2016 season. They haven't looked back since.

An emotional LaDonna shared the profound impact billeting has had on her family over the past decade: "Billeting these young men has only improved our lives."

While players often experience significant personal growth during their time away from home, billet families do as well. Every player brings a new perspective and becomes part of a new shared journey. "These young men have made us better people," Brown reflected. "They are incredible humans with big goals. Whether it's getting a college commitment, being drafted, or bringing the Clark Cup home to the fans. And you get to help them navigate that process. You get to help them navigate everything."

According to Brown, the growth is not only emotional but also deeply relational. Over the years, LaDonna and Joe have built strong relationships with not only players but their families. "It's been long enough that my phone doesn't stop ringing or buzzing with text messages on Mother's Day, and it's the same for Joe on Father's Day," she said. "We get random calls like, 'Hey LD, do you remember that one meal you made for us? How do I make that?' Those moments are what keep Joe and me going." With every player welcomed into their home, the Browns' family continues to grow. Player by player. Family by Family.

The Browns believe that developing a long-term relationship with their players begins even before the athletes arrive in Sioux Falls. After receiving their player assignments, LaDonna and Joe make a point to connect with each player and their family by phone, setting mutual expectations early and laying the foundation for a supportive and open relationship.

When players arrive at the Brown home, they're given time to settle in, decompress, and simply be. A cherished first-night tradition is a family meal.

"The biggest thing," LaDonna said, "is to have that first big family meal with the players and Joe and me. We just sit down, we chat, and we start to build that relationship."

Those shared meals continue throughout the season, offering players a comfortable space to talk about life, both on and off the ice, and creating a lifetime of memories. Some moments are everyday ones, while others are unforgettable milestones: packing the Fox Valley Ice Arena with billet families, player families, Stampede staff, and fans, or being part of a player's NHL draft day.
In 2020, the NHL Entry Draft—delayed due to the pandemic—took place in early October. LaDonna, who keeps up with every draft "because you just never know," had the coverage on in the background while she worked. Then came the announcement: "With the 102nd overall selection, the Montreal Canadiens select forward Jack Smith." The Browns' basement erupted with excitement. Jack, a St. Cloud, MN native, sat on their couch in stunned silence as a lifelong dream became reality.

Moments like that create bonds that last a lifetime.

LaDonna and Joe have attended former players' weddings, watched them start families, and cheered them on as they've advanced in their hockey careers. They continue to follow their journeys, sometimes traveling to a college or NAHL game. "What I've found," LaDonna shared, "is that even after they go off to college, our bond becomes stronger. Like I said, I'll get random calls—just wanting to talk."

It's those enduring connections that keep the Browns opening their home, season after season. Helping guide these young men through a pivotal chapter in their lives has profoundly enriched this chapter of the Browns' lives as well.

And for those considering becoming a billet family, LaDonna has a simple question: "Why not?"

Though it may seem daunting at first, she believes billeting is quite straightforward. "If you have the space and the heart for it, players don't need much—just a roof over their head, a good meal, and someone to be present."

"Just be present for that player. Show up for them. If you feel in your heart that it's the right thing to do—why not?" she said. "The rewards are so much greater."

For more information on the program or information on how to become a billet family, please contact our Billet Coordinator, Gail Evans, at gail@sfstampede.com