In a historic move for professional hockey, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, making her the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL's history. Campbell's appointment is not only a milestone for gender diversity in the league but also a testament to her extensive experience and proven track record in coaching.
Campbell's coaching journey has been remarkable. Before joining the Kraken, she was an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she managed the team's power play. Her tenure at Coachella Valley was marked by significant player development, most notably with Tye Kartye. Under her guidance, Kartye won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie after scoring 20 points (11 goals and nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma spoke highly of Campbell's impact, 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.”
Breaking Barriers in Professional Hockey
Campbell has consistently broken barriers throughout her career. During the 2014-15 season, she served as team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game. Her leadership qualities were evident early on, setting the stage for her future endeavors. In 2021, she took on coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers, further honing her coaching skills on an international platform.
In 2022, Campbell became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) and made history again by being the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Her impact was immediately felt as she worked with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the championship, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure environments.
A Humbling and Honored Path
Jessica Campbell's journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a focus on growth. Reflecting on her new role, she 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.”
Campbell's approach to coaching is rooted in a steadfast work ethic and a dedication to continuous improvement. “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 philosophy extends to maintaining a growth mindset, as she stated, “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.” This focus on growth and development will undoubtedly benefit the Kraken's coaching staff and players.
Looking Ahead for the Seattle Kraken
As the Seattle Kraken prepare for the upcoming season, Campbell is expected to play a pivotal role in heading the team's power play, leveraging her expertise and experience. Her appointment comes at a time when the Kraken are building momentum, having recently signed 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour. The addition of Campbell to the coaching staff aligns with the team's commitment to innovation and excellence.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the importance of Campbell's role in developing players like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans. With her track record and dedication, Campbell is poised to make a significant impact at the NHL level, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.
As Jessica Campbell steps into her new role with the Seattle Kraken, she carries with her a wealth of experience, a history of breaking barriers, and an unwavering commitment to player development. Her journey serves as an inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and hard work. The hockey world will undoubtedly be watching closely as Campbell continues to make history and shape the future of the game.