Jessica Campbell Makes Historic Leap in NHL Coaching
In a landmark move for the National Hockey League, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league's history. This appointment marks another pioneering step for Campbell, who has consistently broken new ground in her coaching career.
Previously, Campbell held the position of assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. During her tenure, she managed the Firebirds' power play and played an instrumental role in player development, notably for Tye Kartye. Kartye's performance under Campbell's guidance was nothing short of remarkable; he clinched the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie after tallying 20 points in the form of 11 goals and nine assists over 77 games for the Kraken.
Her excellence in coaching has not gone unnoticed. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who previously worked with Campbell in Coachella Valley, was full of praise. “During our tenure in Coachella Valley, I saw firsthand Jessica's commitment to player development," Bylsma said. "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 coaching journey is decorated with numerous groundbreaking achievements. In 2022, she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Her stint as a power-skating coach for athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson, showcased her diverse skill set and expertise. Moreover, she made history by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Campbell's role with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 further solidified her coaching credentials.
When asked about her historic appointment, Campbell displayed characteristic humility and dedication. “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,” she remarked. For Campbell, the journey has always been about putting in the hard work and remaining focused on developing her craft. “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 added.
Campbell's future with the Kraken looks promising. She is expected to head the team's power play, leveraging her experience and tactical acumen to enhance the Kraken's offensive strategies. During the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship, she also worked with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, underscoring her wide-ranging influence within the sport.
Her growth mindset and determination have been pivotal in her career progression. "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 emphasized.
In another significant move, the Seattle Kraken bolstered their roster by signing 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour. This addition, combined with Campbell’s strategic input, positions the Kraken as a team to watch in the upcoming NHL season.
As the first woman to break multiple barriers in the realm of professional hockey coaching, Jessica Campbell's journey is not just inspiring but also transformative. Her appointment symbolizes a broader paradigm shift within the sport, paving the way for future generations of women in hockey.