About East Coast Jumbos

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The East Coast Jumbos are a nonprofit special hockey program for athletes with autism and other developmental disabilities. Since starting in 2007 with five players, the Jumbos have grown to more than 75 athletes, from around age seven through adulthood.

Our goal is to create positive athletic and social experiences while helping athletes build confidence, communication skills, relationships, independence, and a lasting sense of belonging.

Our Mission

The East Coast Jumbos provide a positive athletic and social experience for athletes with autism and other developmental disabilities through the great sport of ice hockey. Our players build confidence, increase communication skills, and develop and maintain relationships both inside and outside the hockey rink.

What the Jumbos build

Five ideas guide everything the Jumbos do, on and off the ice.

  • Confidence

    Every practice gives athletes a supportive place to build skills, courage, and pride.

  • Communication

    Athletes strengthen communication skills through teamwork, encouragement, and shared goals.

  • Friendship

    Teammates and families build meaningful connections that extend beyond the rink.

  • Independence

    Athletes grow in confidence and independence through positive experiences on and off the ice.

  • Belonging

    Every Jumbos athlete is welcomed, supported, and valued as part of the team.