In an unprecedented move for the NHL, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken’s coaching staff, making her the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league's storied history. Campbell brings an impressive resume that not only highlights her leadership skills but also underscores her dedication to player development and her proficiency in managing game strategies, particularly the power play.
Campbell’s journey into the history books was not a sudden leap but a series of significant milestones that prepared her for this groundbreaking appointment. Before joining the Kraken, Campbell was an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. During her tenure there, she oversaw the team's power play and played a pivotal role in the development of players like Tye Kartye. In fact, Kartye flourished under her guidance, earning the 2023 AHL Dudley “Red” Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie—a testament to Campbell’s impactful coaching.
“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,” Kraken coach Dan Bylsma commented.
Campbell’s influence stretches back to her playing days as well. Remarkably, during the 2014-15 season, she served as the team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game, already showcasing her leadership abilities. Her coaching career saw an initial groundbreaking moment in 2022 when she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Furthermore, Campbell etched her name in the history books once more by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship with Team Germany.
Reflecting on her journey and the opportunities ahead, Campbell expressed, “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.”
Campbell's expertise is not confined to team management alone; she has also worked as a power-skating coach for elite athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. In 2021, she served in coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers, further expanding her coaching repertoire.
Earlier this year, during the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship, Campbell worked closely with Philipp Grubauer, who is now a goaltender for the Kraken. Her familiarity with Grubauer and some of the younger talents on the team, like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, provides a solid foundation for her new role 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,” Campbell said.
Campbell's appointment is not only a significant milestone for women in hockey but also a strategic move for the Seattle Kraken. She is expected to take charge of the team’s power play, an area she has already demonstrated considerable expertise in during her time with the Firebirds.
This appointment aligns with the Kraken's broader vision which includes fostering young talent and building a team that blends skill and strategy effectively. With the coaching acumen of Campbell, combined with the leadership of Dan Bylsma, the Seattle Kraken are poised to make substantial strides in the upcoming season.
As Campbell steps into her new role, the NHL witnesses a historic moment. It signifies not just a personal achievement, but the breaking of another glass ceiling in professional sports. “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,” Campbell noted.
The excitement in Seattle is palpable, not just for the Kraken’s prospects on the ice but for what Campbell's presence represents in the evolving landscape of professional ice hockey. With the addition of 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, the Kraken are gearing up for a thrilling season. Campbell’s historic appointment is another step towards creating a diverse and dynamic coaching staff that aims to bring out the best in its players.