Crystal Swyryda (left) and Carolyn Andres (right). (Image Credit: Carolyn Andres/ Submitted)

By Alyssa Rudolph

Hockey Family

From billets to best friends: North Stars moms reflect on over 20 years of billeting

Feb 8, 2026 | 6:00 AM

This feature is part of an ongoing series to highlight the contribution of Battlefords North Stars billet families. 

For Crystal Swyryda and Carolyn Andres, being a billet mom comes as second nature. 

Swyryda is a daycare director who has been billeting for 26 years; her husband works as a youth care worker, and together they have two children who are now 24 and 20. Currently, Swyryda is billeting North Stars twins Will and Sam Kirwan. 

Crystal Swyryda (middle) with Sam Kirwan #14 and Will Kirwan #26. (Image Credit: Crystal Swyryda)

Andres and her husband own a local business in the Battlefords. They have been billeting for 20 years. Together they have two children and five grandchildren. This year, Andres is billeting North Stars players Keegan Nash and Drew Williamson. 

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(left to right) Keegan Nash #2, Carolyn Andres, Drew Williamson #20. (Image Credit: Carolyn Andres)

The moms met through billeting roughly 10 years ago. 

“It was upstairs at one of our parent billet weekends that I went and officially, really talked to her,” said Swyryda.  

Since then, the women have been inseparable – from sharing recipes to planning joint holiday get-togethers.

“We do everything together; we talk every day. Sometimes, I’m sure she gets annoyed,” Andres said with a laugh.  

Connection 

Throughout their years of billeting, long-term connections are what stood out to the pair – whether that be with fans at the rink, with the player’s families, or even a smile to other billets in the grocery store.  

“We have so many extended families. Sometimes you don’t get to meet them all the time, and they live in Saskatoon or wherever,” Andres said. 

But the biggest connection of all is the ones made with North Stars players. 

“They come in as hockey players, and they leave as family,” said Swyryda. 

The women recalled many late-night chats or kitchen table conversations about a big win or difficult situation. Just being there for the players when they needed someone to talk to are the types of moments that have motivated Swyryda and Andres to continue billeting. 

Swyryda explained the process of saying goodbye to players at the end of the season is almost worse than sending your own child off to college.  

“You know you’re going to see your kid, whereas these ones…you don’t see as often,” she said. 

Andres agreed, saying she has experienced many goodbyes filled with tears. 

“I remember balling my head off with one player. I had to take him to the airport. He was such a nice kid, and, oh, I really loved having him,” she added.  

Being involved 

For the women, billeting isn’t just about opening their doors for young players, but also being deeply involved with the organization.  

“We go to every game. Carol and I run the souvenir booth there, and we are both on the board,” said Swyryda. 

Both Swyryda and Andres said they will continue to be involved with the North Stars and billet for the foreseeable future.  

“I guess my goal would be to hit 30 years,” Swyryda added. “I’m at 26…might as well hit 30.” 

For now, they will enjoy the time spent with current players making memories both on and off the ice.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com