Jessica Campbell Breaks New Ground in NHL Coaching Staff
Jessica Campbell has carved her name into the annals of National Hockey League (NHL) history. Recently appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, Campbell now holds the distinctive honor of being the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL.
The news marks a milestone in hockey, a sport traditionally dominated by male coaches. Campbell, however, is no stranger to breaking barriers. "I just focused on the task at hand in coaching," Campbell stated. "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."
Prior to her groundbreaking appointment with the Kraken, Campbell was an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Her role with the Firebirds was significant, particularly in developing their power play strategy. Her diligent work did not go unnoticed by head coach Dan Bylsma. "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 emphasized.
Campbell’s coaching prowess has already yielded remarkable results. Tye Kartye, one of her mentees, won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie. Kartye's performance has been instrumental for the Kraken, scoring 20 points, including 11 goals and nine assists over 77 games.
A Trailblazing Career
Jessica Campbell’s ascendancy in coaching is marked by numerous firsts. In 2022, she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). That same year, she made history as the first woman to coach a men's national team during the IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Additionally, she served in coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021.
Beyond team assignments, Campbell has also worked as a power-skating coach for several high-profile athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. Her contributions have extended to the development of Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, evidenced during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship.
A Growth Mindset
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Campbell remains focused and humble. "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 remarked. Her philosophy revolves around perseverance and continuous improvement, a testament to her unyielding commitment to the sport. "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 added.
Looking Forward
With Campbell on board, the Seattle Kraken are not only setting a precedent but are also investing in a future of inclusive excellence. Her next challenge will likely be spearheading the Kraken's power play, an area where her expertise has shone brightly in previous roles.
Amidst this historic appointment, the Kraken also made another significant acquisition by signing 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour. The combination of Montour’s on-ice capabilities and Campbell’s tactical acumen promises an exciting season ahead for the Kraken.
Jessica Campbell's journey is a beacon of progress and inspiration. Her achievements are a testament to her skill, dedication, and trailblazing spirit. As she embarks on this new chapter with the Seattle Kraken, Campbell continues to redefine the landscape of coaching in professional hockey.