Home Ice Advantage: Inside the Heart of a Storm Billet Family

Rylie Mills
3 hours ago
4 min read

When the Tri-City Storm hit the ice each season, fans see the speed, the skill, and the passion but behind every goal, every win, and every celebration are families who open their homes and hearts to the players chasing their hockey dreams. Among those special families are Amy and Kent Reinke of Kearney, Nebraska longtime Storm fans whose love for the game evolved into something even more meaningful: becoming billet parents.

Amy works at the Buckle Corporate Office as a Loss Prevention Investigator, and her husband Kent owns Reinke Refrigeration, Heating, Air & Electric. They’ve been cheering on the Storm since nearly the beginning of the franchise, but in 2009, their connection to the team took on a whole new dimension when they decided to become billet parents.

“We became empty nesters and thought hosting a player would be a new adventure for us,” Amy said. “A friend of mine had been a billet from the very beginning of Storm Hockey, and after talking to her several times about it, we decided to give it a try. We applied with the Housing Coordinator and were accepted after a home inspection and interview.”

Their first player was Sonny from Las Vegas. “We were so nervous to meet him,” Amy admitted. “He was extremely nervous too. At first, I wondered if we were making a mistake taking in a stranger but once Sonny got comfortable, we knew we made the right choice.” That first experience set the tone for what would become a 15+ year journey of hosting, mentoring, and forming lifelong connections with players from all over the world.

“It’s hard to keep track of how many players we’ve had,” Amy said “We host not only players for the whole season, but also those who come for a few weeks at a time. If I had to guess, I’d say between 30 and 40 players.” Over the years, the Reinkes have welcomed athletes from Sweden, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and across the United States from Florida and California to Massachusetts and Minnesota.

Each player brings their own culture, energy, and story. “When Daniil, our Russian player, arrived, he came in full Russian clothing with his agent,” Amy recalled. “He didn’t speak English well at first, so we used Google Translate every day. He told us that English was such a hard language especially the words that sound the same but are spelled differently. He said, ‘There’s no reason for that sort of language!’”

But despite language barriers, the bonds formed run deep. “They become part of our family and are treated like a son,” Amy said. “We go through life as if they were our own children. The laughter and joy they bring into our home is amazing. But when the season ends and they move on, that’s the hardest part. Each one takes a piece of my heart with them.”

Being a billet family has also offered the Reinkes a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the Tri-City Storm organization. “I feel being a Storm Hockey Billet Parent gives us insight into the team and the organization. Not too many people get to experience this part of the hockey world,” Amy shared.

The Reinkes’ billet experience has even taken them beyond Kearney. “Going to an NHL Draft to be with one of our players and celebrating as he was chosen by the Edmonton Oilers was one of the most exciting and joyful experiences we’ve had,” she said. “It’s so special to see these young men work so hard and reach their dreams.”

Beyond hockey, the friendships that have come from the experience have been just as rewarding. “We’ve made so many friends through hockey not just other billet families, but also players’ parents,” Amy said. “Some of those friendships have lasted for years.”

And of course, there’s a special pride in knowing they were part of something historic. “We also got to be part of the Clark Cup Championship year when the Storm won,” Amy recalled. “It was incredible seeing all the joy and celebration after such a hard-fought season. The team worked so hard that year, and it really showed.”

Now, Amy and Kent are encouraging others to take the leap and become billet families themselves. “If anyone has questions about becoming a billet or wants to apply, contact Scott White, the Housing Coordinator, or stop by the Billet Booth during the games,” Amy said. “We are in need of new homes for the 2026–27 season.”

For the Reinkes, the reward has never been about what they give it’s what they gain. “The day they leave is tough, but the memories last forever,” Amy said. “Hosting these players has enriched our lives in ways we never expected.”

Interested in becoming a billet family?Contact Scott White at sawhite64@gmail.com or visit the Billet Booth during Storm home games to learn more about opening your home and your heart to a future hockey star.

We love you guys!! Especially our players who live with us. You truly are a great group of guys.