Jessica Campbell makes history as the first woman NHL coach for Seattle Kraken.
Jessica Campbell talks to the media after being named the first woman coach in NHL history.
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The Seattle Kraken announced Jessica Campbell as their new coaching assistant for the upcoming season yesterday, creating a stir in the sports world. This makes her the first woman coach in NHL history and also the first in AHL history.
Campbell is no stranger to hockey. She captained Cornell University’s women’s ice hockey team during her time in college and represented the Canadian national team, giving her extensive experience and credibility on the ice.
Campbell Breaking Barriers
Campbell began coaching in the AHL as an assistant with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. Bylsma later became the Kraken’s head coach on May 28 after guiding the Firebirds to consecutive Calder Cup finals. In her first season, Campbell helped the Firebirds to a 48-17 record, the second-best in the league.
They reached game seven of the Calder Cup, making Campbell the first woman in the championship, ultimately losing to the Hershey Bears. Her excellence continued the following season as the Firebirds finished with a 46-15 record in the Pacific Division.
The Firebirds reached the Calder Cup finals again versus the Hershey Bears but fell short for a second consecutive year.
A Trailblazer for Women in Hockey
Campbell has emerged as a trailblazer and groundbreaker, inspiring women to follow in her footsteps. She exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity.
Many doubted whether her insights could translate from the women’s to the men’s game, but Campbell never worried about the naysayers. Her impact speaks for itself.
“My knowledge as a student of the game blended with my playing and coaching experience got me to understand, I feel confident, I feel prepared. I knew I’d done the work the past two years with the guys. There were no nerves [behind the benches in Germany] or fear. I felt capable and ready to step into it.”
Campbell played boys’ hockey up until the age of 17, which helped make her tougher before her collegiate career at Cornell, where she scored 100 career points across four seasons.
“I always had a belief as a young girl, playing boys’ hockey until I was 17, that I was equal and capable too. I’ve never focused on my gender,” Campbell told ESPN.
Capable is precisely what she’s shown throughout her career en route to making history.
Building a Winning Culture
She now looks to join the Kraken staff alongside Bylsma, other assistants like Bob Woods, and returning staff members Dave Lowry and Steve Briere.
The Kraken went 34-35-13 last season, finishing 17 points outside a Stanley Cup Playoff position. With Campbell’s proven record of instilling a winning mentality and culture, the Kraken should look to be playoff contenders again.