Jessica Campbell has made history as the first full-time female assistant coach in the NHL, joining the Seattle Kraken in July 2024. The landmark moment received widespread attention during the Kraken’s season opener against the St. Louis Blues, showcasing Campbell’s unique position in a male-dominated industry. Despite the significance of her new role, Campbell approached the experience with humility. She emphasized her commitment to focusing on her responsibilities and enhancing player performance rather than getting caught up in the historic nature of her position. Campbell understands the importance of her achievements for the sport and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to help shape the game’s future for women.
A native of Canada, Jessica Campbell’s journey in hockey began at an early age when she played alongside boys until she was 17. She went on to excel as a forward at Cornell University, where she made a significant impact by scoring 46 goals and providing 54 assists across 131 games. Her leadership skills shone through as she served as team captain during her senior year. After graduating, Campbell continued to pursue her passion for the sport, playing in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League for the Calgary Inferno and later competing in Sweden. Additionally, she represented Canada’s U18 team, contributing to a gold medal victory at the 2010 championships and a silver at the 2009 championships. These experiences provided her with a solid foundation both as a player and now as a coach.
Campbell began her coaching career in 2017, starting in youth leagues in Canada. Her resume quickly expanded when she moved to Sweden, where she coached the Malmo Redhawks, a professional team. In 2022, she joined the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she worked alongside head coach Dan Bylsma. Bylsma praised her commitment to player development and her ability to build strong relationships with players, ultimately leading to her promotion to the NHL. The transition from the AHL to the NHL was a significant step for Campbell, and she is eager to take on the challenges that come with coaching at this higher level of competition.
Family plays a vital role in Campbell’s life and has influenced her journey in hockey tremendously. Born to Gary and Monique Campbell, Jessica was inspired by a household where everyone played hockey—her mother and sister both attended the University of Saskatchewan, while her brothers played in various leagues, including the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Tragically, Campbell lost her oldest brother, Josh, in a car accident when she was just ten years old. This loss deeply impacted her life, and in honor of his memory, she adopted his jersey number, 8. The supportive environment provided by her family has allowed Campbell to pursue her passion while navigating personal challenges and career aspirations.
Looking forward to her new role with the Kraken, Campbell feels a sense of responsibility to be an inspiration to other women and underrepresented individuals aspiring to work in hockey. She expresses excitement about the upcoming season and emphasizes the importance of remaining focused on her coaching responsibilities, recognizing how her position can impact others positively. Campbell is aware that her presence in the NHL could pave the way for future opportunities for women in sports, allowing her to serve as a beacon of hope and possibility for those with similar aspirations.
As Campbell embarks on this groundbreaking chapter in her career, she carries with her the weight of history while maintaining the mindset of a dedicated coach. Her achievements provide a new narrative for the representation of women in sports, demonstrating that with hard work, passion, and commitment, barriers can be broken. Campbell’s journey, from a young girl playing hockey alongside boys to the first female coach in the NHL, showcases perseverance and the continued progress toward inclusivity in sports. As she steps onto the ice with the Seattle Kraken, Campbell not only prepares for the challenges ahead but also cultivates a deeper understanding of the significance of her role in the evolution of hockey.