Jessica Campbell Makes History as First Full-Time Female Coach in the NHL
The Seattle Kraken have made a groundbreaking addition to their coaching staff, appointing Jessica Campbell, thus marking her as the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in NHL history.
Campbell's appointment comes as no surprise to those familiar with her illustrious career in hockey. A former assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Campbell has continually broken barriers in the sport. During the 2014-15 season, she showcased her leadership skills as the team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game. In 2022, she continued her trailblazing journey by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Throughout her tenure with the Firebirds, Campbell's coaching prowess was evident. She managed the team’s power play and played a pivotal role in player development, which led to Tye Kartye winning the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye, who scored 20 points with 11 goals and nine assists over 77 games for the Kraken, is just one example of Campbell's impact.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma was effusive in his praise for Campbell, noting, “During our tenure in Coachella Valley, I saw firsthand Jessica's commitment to player development. Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with her at the NHL level.”
Campbell’s impressive résumé extends beyond North American hockey. In 2022, she made history once again by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team during the IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Her experience also includes coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 and working as a power-skating coach for high-profile athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson.
Her impact on the international stage was further solidified as she worked with the Kraken's goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship. These experiences have undoubtedly contributed to her preparedness for her new role with the Kraken, where she will likely be responsible for heading the team’s power play.
Reflecting on her journey, Campbell said, “I just focused on the task at hand in coaching, but absolutely, it's obviously a tremendous opportunity and I'm honored to be where I am and to be -- it's a humbling feeling to be a part of the Kraken organization.”
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Campbell remains grounded and focused on her mission. “For me, that's what it's about. Just putting my head down and doing the work. You know, where it takes me it takes me, but I'm obviously honored to be on this path and continue to just do the good work that it takes to hopefully reach that goal,” she stated.
Her philosophy is rooted in continuous growth and development. “I'm a big believer in just keeping a growth mindset every day. Obviously, my goal is to continue to coach at the highest level, but timelines aren't necessary for me and definitely not where my focus is,” Campbell explained.
Campbell’s addition to the Kraken coaching staff comes at an exciting time for the team, which recently signed 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour. Her role will be critical in developing young talents and enhancing the overall performance of the team.
Jessica Campbell’s appointment is more than just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the evolving landscape of professional hockey. As she steps into her new role, she carries with her a legacy of breaking barriers and a commitment to excellence that will inspire future generations of women in sports.