HOCKEY DIRECTOR Jami 'JJ' James Jami “JJ” James came to Montana to bring it's hockey players a new opportunity to develop in a whole new style. The original founder and head hockey coach of Tahoe Hockey Academy. Jami “JJ” James was born and raised in Berkeley, California. He grew up playing hockey for various travel teams in the California Area. Occasionally, he was invited opportunity to play with travel teams from around the country. JJ also attended Minnesota Hockey Camps as a youth, which fueled his lifelong passion for hockey and his dream of playing hockey professionally.

While advancing through the youth hockey ranks, JJ had the privilege of playing for many experienced coaches who instilled his core hockey values: discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He was also taught various, different hockey systems and strategies, many of which he incorporates into his coaching today.

After youth hockey, JJ had to choose between opportunities playing junior hockey or going to college. Pursuing hockey as his primary goal, he chose junior hockey. JJ “walked on” to play at Minot State Bottineau, where he met his linemate and life long friend, Dustin Penner. JJ would go on to play at Castleton State College in Vermont, where he was recruited by the UHL’s Elmira Jackals.

A groin injury sidelined JJ as he bounced around with several UHL teams before settling in with the Huntsville Havoc in the SPHL. JJ also played a season with the Sun Valley Idaho Suns, an amateur, semi-professional team and eventually ended his player career with the ECHL’s San Francisco Bulls.

As his pro player career wound down, JJ began to think about other avenues in hockey and career paths he could pursue. He had earned a Degree in Early Childhood Psychology with a concentration in sports psychology (at Castleton) and has always had a way working with young people. He is a Certified Trainer. Coupling these skills with abundant hockey knowledge seemed a logical choice.

During his lifelong involvement in the hockey community, JJ has gained attention from various players, parents and organizations who recognize his knowledge, insight and passion for the game. He has coached Mite through Adult, working with Beginner, A, AA, AAA through to professional players. He specializes in player development through his work with team, camp, individual and group training. JJ was the original founder of California's first prep school for hockey players, Tahoe Hockey Academy, located in South Lake Tahoe, California. He moved to Whitefish, Montana in November of 2016 and now has guided his focus to develop Northern Montana hockey players.

JJ currently resides in Whitefish with his wife Joy, son Landon, daughter Lavena, and their Siberian Huskies, Crosby, Oshie and Price. JJs hobbies and interests include: physical fitness, scuba diving, boating, traveling, snowmobiling, real estate and futures investing, and entrepreneurship. He enjoys educating himself and passing along his knowledge to young people. He highly values time spent with family and friends.