At the Seattle Kraken’s opening night on October 8, Jessica Campbell made history as the first ever female assistant coach in the National Hockey League. This is a groundbreaking achievement signaling a shift towards diversity and inclusivity not only in the NHL, but opportunities for women in all sports. 

Campbell’s journey to the NHL is extensive and very impressive. A Saskatchewan, Canada native, Campbell played boys ice hockey until she was seventeen. She started her career playing for the Saskatchewan hockey team, and represented Canada on the women’s national team. In college she played in the Cornell Big Red women’s ice hockey program, and went on to play in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League after graduating, becoming the first-ever rookie to serve as a captain in a CWHL All-Star game. 

After retiring from the Canadian national team in 2017, Campbell coached high school girl’s hockey and launched her own coaching business, JC Powerskating. Her company became very popular during the pandemic, giving hockey players a place to keep their skills sharp while games were canceled. 

Before joining the Seattle Kraken, Campbell gained international coaching experience serving as an assistant coach for the German national team and the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. She also was an assistant coach in the American Hockey League with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the minor league affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. During her time with the Firebirds she worked alongside Dan Bylsma, now the head coach of the Kraken, playing a significant role in her appointment to the Kraken staff. 

Campbell’s role in the Kraken’s coaching staff not only breaks down barriers but also brings a fresh perspective and valuable experience to the team. Her success in the male-dominated world of hockey is inspiring to young girls and women who want to pursue their dreams in sports and coaching, showing that talent and dedication transcend gender.