Jessica Campbell is setting new standards.
In July, the Seattle Kraken brought Campbell on board as their assistant coach, marking a significant achievement as she became the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in the NHL. She was welcomed enthusiastically at Climate Pledge Arena during the Kraken’s season-opener against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
Campbell recognized the importance of this groundbreaking moment.
“As I took my place on the bench before the game, I aimed to honor the significance of this occasion since I understand how pivotal it is for our sport,” Campbell stated prior to the match.
While on the bench, Campbell orchestrated a play to help Seattle try to equalize, but the team ultimately fell short, losing 3-2 to the Blues. Coach Dan Bylsma acknowledged the positive aspect of the moment, noting, “Having Jessica as the first female coach in the NHL is a remarkable milestone for her and for the sport itself.”
Despite the day being “just another workday for me,” Campbell acknowledged the importance of her new position.
“In my world, it feels like a typical workday, keeping focus on my routine,” she remarked. “I don’t want to overlook what I’m doing, as my concentration on the tasks at hand is what has brought me here and will take me forward. Hence, I must remain focused on what’s most important: the team and our goals for success.”
At 32 years old, Campbell made her mark in the American Hockey League when she was hired by Bylsma as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2022. After securing a coaching position with the Kraken in May, Bylsma chose to elevate Campbell to the NHL.
Under Bylsma and Campbell’s guidance, Coachella Valley achieved notable success, advancing to the AHL’s Calder Cup Finals in the last two seasons. Prior to her time there, 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 and also participated as an assistant coach for Germany during the 2022 World Championships.
“I hope that this allows future individuals to have doors opened for them, instead of needing to break through barriers themselves,” Campbell expressed. “I admire the other women and professionals in this field who are excelling in their roles. This is part of a broader movement—an essential change. Diverse voices have the power to foster innovative solutions, leading to progress in sports and life.”
Campbell played for Cornell University from 2010 to 2014, leading the team as captain in her final year. Her professional career spanned teams in Canada and Sweden, and she was named the MVP of the 2010 under-18 World Championships, contributing to Canada’s gold medal victory.
