Jessica Campbell Breaks Barriers, Joins Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
In a historic move for professional hockey, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the coaching staff of the Seattle Kraken, making her the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL's history. Campbell's journey to this remarkable milestone has been paved with numerous significant achievements, showcasing her dedication to the sport and player development.
Campbell’s coaching career has been marked by several groundbreaking firsts. In 2022, she made headlines as the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she served as an assistant coach and managed the team’s power play. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in the development of standout players, such as Tye Kartye. Kartye, under Campbell’s guidance, won the prestigious 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie, scoring 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken.
Dan Bylsma, the Kraken coach, praised Campbell’s dedication to player development, stating, “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 coaching prowess isn’t limited to the AHL. She made history yet again by becoming the first woman to coach a men’s national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Her influence extended to working with the Kraken's goaltender, Philipp Grubauer, demonstrating her ability to coach at the highest levels of the sport.
Reflecting on her appointment, Campbell expressed both humility and determination. “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 said.
Her coaching journey began long before her professional achievements. During the 2014-15 season, she demonstrated leadership as the team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game. She has also served as a power-skating coach for elite athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson, further establishing her reputation as a knowledgeable and effective coach.
Campbell’s appointment is a testament to her relentless dedication and the importance of a growth mindset. “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 said. “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.”
In addition to her strategic acumen, Campbell’s personal connection with players is central to her coaching philosophy. This has been particularly apparent in her work with promising talents such as Shane Wright and Ryker Evans. Kraken fans and the broader hockey community alike await to see the positive impact she will bring to the NHL team, especially in managing the power play.
As the Kraken continue to bolster their roster, including signing 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, the addition of Campbell to the coaching staff marks a significant step in the team's commitment to excellence and innovation. Her appointment is not only a milestone for women in hockey but also a defining moment for the sport at large, reflecting the evolving landscape of professional hockey coaching.