The NHL made history by hiring Jessica Campbell as the league’s first full-time female assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken. Campbell, 31, previously served as an assistant coach for the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds under head coach Dan Bylsma for the past two seasons. Bylsma expressed his confidence in Campbell’s abilities, highlighting her strong relationships with players like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans.
During her time as an assistant coach for Germany in 2022, Campbell made waves as the first woman on a coaching staff at the IIHF Men’s World Championship. Prior to coaching, the Saskatchewan native had a successful playing career, competing in college hockey at Cornell and winning gold medals with Canada at the World U18 Championship in 2010 and the 4 Nations Cup in 2014. She also played professionally in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Calgary Inferno before transitioning to coaching in 2017.
Campbell’s appointment as an assistant coach for the Kraken marks a significant milestone for women in hockey, breaking barriers and paving the way for more female coaches to enter the NHL. Her experience, both as a player and a coach, brings a unique perspective to the team and adds valuable insights to the coaching staff. With Campbell and fellow assistant Bob Woods joining the Kraken, the team’s coaching staff is poised to make a positive impact on the players and the organization as a whole.
In addition to Campbell and Woods, the Kraken’s coaching staff includes returning assistant coach Dave Lowry and goaltending coach Steve Briere. The combination of experienced coaches with diverse backgrounds and expertise bodes well for the team’s success in the upcoming NHL season. As the league continues to embrace diversity and inclusion, Campbell’s appointment sets a precedent for the future of coaching in professional hockey, inspiring more individuals from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in coaching at the highest levels of the sport.