Historic Milestone
Jessica Campbell is making history as the first female full-time assistant coach in NHL history, having been hired by the Seattle Kraken in July. She received a warm welcome during her introduction at Climate Pledge Arena ahead of the Kraken’s season opener against the St. Louis Blues.
Acknowledging the Moment
Campbell acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, “As I prepare for the game and step onto the bench, I want to honor the importance of this occasion for our sport.”
Game Strategy
During the game, Campbell devised a play from the bench as the Seattle Kraken aimed to equalize, but they fell short, losing to the Blues 3-2. Head coach Dan Bylsma highlighted a positive aspect of the situation: “Having Jessica as the first female coach in the NHL is fantastic for her and beneficial for the sport.”
Focus on Work
Campbell described Tuesday as “just a normal day at work,” while recognizing the importance of her new position.
“For me, it’s a regular day in terms of my work and routine,” she explained. “I don’t want to downplay what I’m doing, as I’m concentrating on the task ahead. Staying focused has brought me to this moment, and it will continue to do so. I need to keep my attention on what truly matters, which is the team and our goals for success.”
Previous Achievements
At 32, Campbell previously made history in the American Hockey League when Dan Bylsma appointed her as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2022. After Bylsma became the Kraken’s head coach in May, he brought Campbell with him to the NHL.
During their time together, Bylsma and Campbell found success with the Firebirds, leading them to the Calder Cup Finals in both of the last two seasons. Before her role in Coachella Valley, Campbell served as an assistant and skills coach for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in Germany’s top men’s league during the 2021-22 season. Additionally, she was an assistant coach for Germany at the 2022 World Championships.
Advocating for Change
“Hopefully, someone else will find a door already open for them instead of having to push it open and figure out how to unlock it,” Campbell stated. She acknowledged the women and others in the industry who are excelling in their roles, emphasizing that this is part of a broader movement for meaningful change. “When you bring diverse voices into a space, you achieve unique and positive results. Different perspectives lead to innovative solutions, which is essential for progress in both life and sports.”
Athletic Background
From 2010 to 2014, Campbell played at Cornell University, serving as team captain in her senior year. She also played professionally in Canada and Sweden, and was named MVP of the 2010 Under-18 World Championships, helping Canada secure a gold medal.