In an unprecedented move, Jessica Campbell has shattered a historic barrier, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL, having recently been appointed to the Seattle Kraken's coaching staff. Campbell steps into this role following a notable period as an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where her impact on player development was widely recognized.
A Trailblazer in Women's Hockey
Campbell's appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of hockey. Not only is she the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NHL, but she also has a record of pioneering achievements in the sport. In the 2014-15 season, Campbell served as team captain in the inaugural CWHL All-Star Game, setting the stage for her future in coaching. Her trajectory continued to soar as she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2022, with the Firebirds being the fortunate beneficiaries of her expertise. During her tenure there, she managed the team’s power play to great effect.
Mentorship and Development
One of Campbell's most impressive accomplishments includes her work with Tye Kartye, who was awarded the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye, under Campbell's guidance, amassed a remarkable 20 points through 11 goals and nine assists over 77 games for the Kraken. Her ability to connect with and mentor players like Kartye has not gone unnoticed.
Dan Bylsma, the Kraken coach, spoke highly of Campbell’s influence: “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.”
Breaking New Ground
Campbell’s career has been a series of 'firsts.' In 2022, she broke new ground once more by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. This added another significant layer to her already decorated coaching profile.
Moreover, her expertise is not confined to coaching teams but extends to individual player development. She has worked as a power-skating coach for high-profile athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. Her expansive experience also saw her in coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 and working closely with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship.
Vision and Goals
Despite these achievements, Campbell remains humble and focused. "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. "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."
Looking ahead, Campbell's assignment with the Kraken is laden with promise. She will likely be responsible for heading the Kraken's power play, a role where her past successes suggest she will excel. The Kraken have also recently signed the 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, adding another layer of excitement to the evolving team dynamics.
A Bright Future
Campbell’s journey from player to trailblazing coach serves as an inspirational story within the world of hockey. Her appointment is not just a personal achievement but represents a significant step forward for women in sports. The integration of her extensive skill set into the Kraken's coaching staff promises to bring about exciting developments for the team and the broader hockey community.
"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," Campbell stated.
As Jessica Campbell embarks on this historic new role with the Seattle Kraken, the entire hockey world will undoubtedly be watching, not just for the wins and losses, but for the transformative impact she is poised to make.