Jessica Campbell Breaks Barriers as She Joins Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
In a historic move, the Seattle Kraken have added Jessica Campbell to their coaching staff, making her the first woman in NHL history to serve as a full-time coach. Campbell’s appointment marks a significant stride towards greater diversity and inclusion within the league, reflecting her exceptional coaching acumen and the evolving dynamics of professional sports.
Campbell’s journey to the NHL has been characterized by a series of groundbreaking achievements. She was previously an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she made history in 2022 as the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Her responsibilities with the Firebirds included managing the power play, which is an area she is expected to continue to oversee with the Kraken.
The scope of Campbell’s influence extends beyond her roles in the AHL and NHL. During the 2014-15 season, she served as the team captain in the inaugural CWHL All-Star Game, a testament to her leadership qualities on the ice. Further, in 2022, she became the first woman to coach a men's national team during the IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany, demonstrating her capability to excel in high-pressure environments.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma expressed his enthusiasm for Campbell's appointment, citing her commitment to player development and her ability to forge strong relationships with her players. “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 said.
Campbell’s influence on developing young talent is well-documented. One notable player under her guidance, Tye Kartye, thrived under her tutelage, earning the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie. Kartye managed an impressive 20 points (11 goals and nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken, highlighting the effectiveness of Campbell’s coaching techniques.
Beyond individual accolades, Campbell’s broader impact on the teams she has coached is undeniable. She has worked as a power-skating coach for elite athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson, and has engaged in coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021. Her expertise was also pivotal during her tenure with the Canadian national team program. Moreover, she played a significant role in the development of Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
When asked about her groundbreaking role, Campbell emphasizes her work ethic and focus on the job at hand. “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 remarked. Her commitment to daily improvement and a consistent growth mindset are central to her coaching philosophy. “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 added.
With the Kraken making strategic offseason moves, including the signing of 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, Campbell’s arrival adds another layer of depth and expertise to the coaching staff. Bylsma acknowledges her vital role in the development of key players, noting, “Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire.”
Jessica Campbell is not just breaking barriers; she is paving the way for future generations of women in professional sports. Her dedication, skill, and pioneering spirit are setting new standards as she embarks on this promising chapter with the Seattle Kraken. As the NHL continues to evolve, voices like Campbell’s will undoubtedly become integral to the league’s growth and success.