Jessica Campbell: Pioneering History as NHL’s First Female Coach
In an inspiring turn of events, Jessica Campbell is set to make history as the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in the NHL when the Seattle Kraken face off against the St. Louis Blues. Her remarkable journey, marked by determination and groundbreaking achievements, has positioned her as a pivotal figure in the world of hockey.
Campbell's rise to this significant role did not happen overnight. Back in the spring of 2020, when the NHL was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was running a power skating business in Kelowna, British Columbia. NHL players, including Damon Severson and Brent Seabrook, sought her expertise to maintain their skills during the break. Severson recalls the positive feedback from his teammates, stating, “That was a really good skate. She knows what she’s doing.” This pivotal moment shifted Campbell's vision from merely being an NHL skating coach to considering a coaching career at the highest level.
With her power skating sessions gaining traction, Campbell began to see a future for herself in coaching. She further honed her skills in prestigious roles, including coaching in the Swedish Hockey League and as an assistant coach for the German national team at the men’s world championships in 2022. By the summer of that same year, she joined the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken's AHL affiliate, where she excelled and solidified her reputation as a skilled coach. Under her guidance, the Firebirds achieved remarkable success, boasting the best offense in the AHL during her tenure.
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The turning point in Campbell’s career came when Dan Bylsma, the head coach of the Kraken, recognized her potential and hired her for the NHL staff. Bylsma, who first noticed her talent during the 2022 men’s world championships, emphasized that her hiring was based solely on her capabilities as a coach. “We’re going to see a woman behind the bench for the first time in the National Hockey League, and it’s monumental,” he stated. This sentiment is echoed by many in the hockey community who view her presence as a significant step toward greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.
As she steps onto the bench for her first NHL game, Campbell carries with her the aspirations of many women in hockey. Her commitment to fostering a positive coaching environment is evident. She is known for her exceptional communication skills and her ability to adapt her coaching style to meet the needs of individual players. Whether it’s providing encouragement or offering constructive criticism, Campbell takes pride in connecting with players and helping them improve.
Her extensive background as a player—having represented Canada internationally and played in various leagues—enhances her credibility as a coach. Former teammates and players have praised her relentless work ethic and dedication to elevating others. “She will make every player better that is willing to put the time in,” said Tom Rowe, a former NHL executive who has worked closely with her.
While Campbell acknowledges the weight of her groundbreaking role, she remains focused on her responsibilities. “I wake up every day, I put my shoes on, and my skates on in the same way as my counterparts,” she says. Her determination is clear; she aims to contribute meaningfully to the Kraken's success and inspire future generations of women in coaching.
The establishment of programs like the NHL Coaches’ Association’s Female Coaches Program underscores a growing commitment to inclusivity in hockey. This initiative, which supports and empowers women coaches, aims to normalize the idea of women coaching at all levels of the sport. As Campbell embarks on this new chapter, she hopes her journey will serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for aspiring female coaches, demonstrating that they, too, can achieve their dreams in hockey.
In this historic moment, Jessica Campbell is not just stepping into the role of assistant coach for the Kraken; she is paving the way for future generations, embodying the spirit of resilience, passion, and possibility in the world of sports.
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