About JMS
I started watching hockey when I moved to Minnesota in 1999. When I was taking some anthropology classes at St. Cloud State, I decided to investigate sport, gender, layered identities and the concept of "place."
As my studies continued, I realized I needed to learn to "speak hockey," so I started the Adult Hockey Association's beginner school in 2002. One of the worst players on my team, I quickly realized that I wouldn't improve by just chasing other skaters up and down the ice, constantly lagging behind the play, working to keep up. I was frustrated -- to improve, I needed icetime, but there was no way I could keep up at the local pick-up. Being an adult hockey player in Minnesota is like being an illiterate adult; everyone else around you learned when they were small, and you can't go back and join the little ones as they learn.
So in 2003, I started JMS (originally called "Just My Speed") for adult beginners. The program has grown far beyond what I could have imagined. Skaters range in ability from absolute newbies to former college players. They come from the AHA, WHAM, Schwann's and other leagues. Many don't play in a league at all and skate only with JMS.
JMS is popular because people don't have to commit to any number of games; they can skate as few or as many as they want. Also, because the levels are so closely managed, the skaters' ability levels are always similar -- which means people have more chances to directly affect the outcome of the game, and more fun.
Some couples make JMS their "date night" activity. Many adult children skate with their parents, too. The lower level folks, just starting out, are transplants to the Twin Cities -- or are people who grew up here but never learned to play. Hockey is an important part of Minnesota culture and many new arrivals are eager to embrace that part of the state's identity. Come play hockey with us! Check out the FAQs for the "nuts and bolts" information about how JMS actually works.
