One local business is going above and beyond to help out the outstanding network of billet families associated with the Steinbach Pistons.
Earl’s Meat Market is donating 2 pounds of meat for every goal the Pistons score this season to the billets. At a recent home game this past weekend, they dropped off some donations of meat on the ice as the Pistons recognized three billet families; Les and Darla Friesen, Alvin and Wendy Barkman, and Bruce and Kim Penner.
“It’s more than hockey,” owner Earl Funk said. “It’s the positive role models that the billet families are trying to be with the players that come into our community. For me it’s win-win, and that why I support the billet families.”
The Friesens are in their 2nd year hosting Pistons, as they are currently billeting Brady Tatro and Daniel McKitrick. The Barkmans are in their very first year of billeting, and they are hosting Matthew Thiessen. The Penners have billeted players for the past 6 years, hosting 20 players over that span. Currently they are hosting Declan Graham, Bradley Schoonbaert, Tyson McConnell, and Tanner Mole.
Son Evan Funk noted that these billets help the players to get involved the community. “Whether on the ice or off the ice, (getting involved) is good character development and that is something that we can get behind.”
Every billet family will be recognized on the ice during the rest of the season.