Breaking Barriers: Jessica Campbell Joins the Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
In a historic move, the Seattle Kraken have appointed Jessica Campbell to their coaching staff, marking her as the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL's storied history. This groundbreaking advancement for women in hockey is a testament to Campbell's exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
Campbell's journey to this unprecedented role has been marked by a series of trailblazing achievements. A former assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Campbell has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the ice and behind the bench. During her rookie season (2014-15) with the Calgary Inferno, she served as a team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game, showcasing her leadership qualities early on.
In 2022, Campbell shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Her presence behind the bench during Seattle Kraken’s preseason games that year further cemented her status as a pioneering figure in professional hockey. Not resting on her laurels, Campbell managed the Firebirds' power play, evidence of her strategic acumen and technical expertise.
The 2022-23 season brought more success for Campbell and those she coached. Tye Kartye, a standout player under her tutelage, won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie. Kartye’s performance earned him a spot on the Kraken’s roster, where he logged an impressive 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) over 77 games. Her ability to nurture young talent is one of the many reasons the Kraken brought Campbell on board.
Campbell's achievements extend beyond the AHL into international play. She broke new ground as the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Her time as a coach at these international levels further highlights her capability and innovative coaching style.
Her coaching skills are sought after by elite athletes such as Olympic gold medalist Natalie Spooner and Stanley Cup champion Joel Edmundson, whom she has mentored as a power-skating coach. Additionally, she served in similar capacities with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021, again proving her adaptability and impact in various coaching roles.
Campbell's interactions with current Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship are a testament to her expanding influence within professional hockey circles. Her plans to continue coaching at the highest level are clear, and with the Kraken, her primary responsibility will likely involve heading the team's power play.
The Kraken's signing of 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour is another strategic move reflecting the organization’s efforts to build a competitive team. Campbell’s addition to the coaching staff aligns with this ambitious vision.
“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,” said Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. His endorsement underscores Campbell's integral role in developing future stars and her collaborative nature.
Reflecting on her journey, Campbell shared, “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.” Her humility and dedication shine through, as does her relentless work ethic.
“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 added. It’s clear she values perseverance and the gradual build-up of her coaching credentials over time.
She further emphasized her growth mindset, saying, “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 philosophy undoubtedly contributes to her groundbreaking achievements and continued success in her coaching career.
As the NHL continues to evolve, Jessica Campbell’s role with the Seattle Kraken represents a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in professional sports. Her exemplary journey and dedication to coaching at the highest levels will undoubtedly inspire future generations of women in hockey.