In a landmark move for the National Hockey League, Jessica Campbell has joined the coaching staff of the Seattle Kraken, making history as the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league. Campbell's appointment is a testament to her extensive experience and successful track record in various coaching roles across both women's and men's hockey.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Campbell's journey to this historic role has been marked by a series of pioneering achievements. She first etched her name in the history books during the 2014-15 season as the team captain in the inaugural CWHL All-Star Game. Despite her early accomplishments, it wasn't until her coaching career took off that Campbell's impact began to resonate more widely across the sport.
In 2022, Campbell shattered glass ceilings once again by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Her role as an assistant coach not only showcased her strategic acumen but also her ability to foster player development. She managed the Firebirds' power play, bringing innovation and efficiency to the team's special teams unit.
Mentorship and Development
One of the standout players under Campbell's mentorship was Tye Kartye, who thrived under her guidance. Kartye went on to win the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie, scoring 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken. Campbell's ability to develop talent like Kartye underscored her suitability for the NHL coaching position.
Reflecting on her time with the Firebirds, Campbell said, "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."
A New Chapter with the Kraken
With her appointment to the Kraken, Campbell brings not only her coaching skills but also a deep commitment to player development. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma highlighted this, stating, “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.”
Campbell's work with elite athletes extends beyond the AHL. During the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship, she broke new ground by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team, serving as an assistant coach for Team Germany. Her role included working closely with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, further showcasing her versatility and ability to contribute at the highest levels of the sport.
Focus on the Future
As she steps into her new role, Campbell remains focused on the present and her responsibilities with the Kraken. "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 explained. Her dedication to a growth mindset reflects her ongoing ambition to coach at the highest level without being constrained by timelines.
Jessica Campbell's historic appointment is a significant milestone not only for her but for the sport of hockey as a whole. Her track record of success, commitment to player development, and pioneering spirit make her a valuable asset to the Seattle Kraken and an inspiration for future generations of coaches.
As the Kraken prepare for the upcoming season, fans and players alike will be looking forward to the fresh perspective and expertise Campbell brings to the team, potentially making a substantial impact on their performance, particularly in power-play situations where Campbell has already shown her strategic prowess.