Jessica Campbell: Breaking the Ice Ceiling in Men's Hockey
Jessica Campbell’s path through the world of hockey has been marked by groundbreaking milestones and a series of historic achievements. In a sport traditionally dominated by men, her journey reflects not just personal ambition, but a broader quest for equality and recognition for women in hockey. In 2022, Campbell distinguished herself by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL), a testament to her drive, skill, and pioneering spirit. Yet, potentially her most significant milestone lies ahead, as she stands on the cusp of becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the National Hockey League (NHL).
A Focus on Talent Development
Despite her historic career trajectory, Campbell consistently directs attention away from her pioneering roles towards her passion for developing hockey talent. Her coaching philosophy prioritizes the growth and improvement of players, a focus that has garnered recognition from her peers. Dan Bylsma, an experienced coach in the NHL, acknowledged Campbell’s contributions, particularly highlighting her role in conversations about the coaching future of the Seattle Kraken. This comes in the wake of the Kraken parting ways with their first head coach, Dave Hakstol, after three seasons, and Bylsma stepping into the head coach role post Firebirds season.
Campbell’s current responsibilities include managing the power play for the Firebirds, where she has demonstrated a strategic mind and an ability to inspire improvement in players’ performances. This skill set was evident when she served as a coach during an NHL preseason game in September, making her only the second woman to coach in the NHL in any capacity. Her coaching journey, which began with a focus on power skating for elite players, has seen her take on roles that have challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries for women in hockey coaching.
International Recognition and Ambitions
Campbell’s coaching acumen has not only been recognized in North America. In 2021, her talents took her to Germany, where she served as an assistant and skills coach for the Nurnberg Ice Tigers, thereby becoming the first woman coach for a men's national team at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Men's World Championship with Team Germany. This global recognition underscores her qualifications and further establishes her as a trailblazer in the sport.
Yet, for Campbell, the focus remains steadfastly on her work and her goals within the sport. As someone who grew up dreaming of playing in the NHL, transitioning to coaching has enabled her to stay connected to her passion for hockey while paving the way for future generations of women in the sport. It’s a journey that Kraken General Manager Ron Francis recognizes and values, notably stating that Campbell’s hiring was based on her merit as a coach, not her gender.
Quotes from the Ice
Throughout discussions about the future of coaching with the Seattle Kraken, Campbell’s name has come up repeatedly. Bylsma’s acknowledgment of her role highlights her significant impact on player development, which has not gone unnoticed. “Yes, as part of the conversations with Ron over the past little bit here, we've had numerous conversations and we've interviewed a couple of times," Bylsma elaborated, underscoring Campbell’s integral role in these discussions.
Campbell herself remains humbled yet focused on her career goals. "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," she reflected. Her commitment to growth and development, both for her players and herself, remains her guiding principle. “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,” she stated, emphasizing her dedication to coaching excellence.
Campbell’s story is not just about breaking barriers and setting records; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As she continues to make her mark in the world of hockey, her journey inspires both women and men to pursue their dreams with determination and courage, reminding us all that the ice has no gender.