Jessica Campbell Makes Historic Move to Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
Jessica Campbell has shattered another glass ceiling, becoming the first woman in NHL history to serve as a full-time coach. The news marks a significant milestone for the Seattle Kraken, who have added Campbell to their coaching staff. This appointment follows a series of groundbreaking achievements that have put Campbell firmly in the spotlight as a trailblazer in professional hockey.
Campbell’s journey to the NHL is paved with multiple firsts. Prior to joining the Kraken, she served as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, making her the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2022. During her tenure with the Firebirds, Campbell managed a successful power play and earned wide respect across the league for her commitment to developing young talent. One of her standout pupils, Tye Kartye, was named the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award winner for most outstanding rookie, a testament to her effective coaching methods.
Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma, who worked closely with Campbell in Coachella Valley, lauded her player development skills, particularly her ability to establish strong relationships with her players. "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," Bylsma said.
Beyond the AHL, Campbell has an impressive coaching resume. She captained the team in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game during the 2014-15 season and became the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Her role extended to power-skating coaching for high-profile athletes like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson, showcasing her versatile expertise.
Campbell’s influence in the hockey world isn’t limited to players alone. During the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship, she worked with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, an experience that likely contributed to her growing reputation in the hockey community. Her international coaching stint with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 further solidified her credentials as a capable and innovative coach.
In a recent statement, Campbell expressed her honor and excitement about the new role with the Seattle Kraken. "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. She emphasized her dedication to the craft, adding, "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’s goal-oriented mindset and commitment to growth reflect her broader philosophy on coaching. "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," she noted.
As Campbell transitions to her new role, she is expected to take charge of the Kraken's power play, leveraging her strategic expertise to boost the team's on-ice performance. The Kraken, who recently signed 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, are well-positioned to benefit from Campbell’s innovative approach to player development and game strategy.
Jessica Campbell's ascent in the coaching ranks is not just a personal triumph but a monumental step for the NHL and women in sports. Her presence on the Seattle Kraken coaching staff symbolizes a progressive shift in the league, paving the way for future generations of women in hockey.