Jessica Campbell continues to make history. When the puck dropped in the opening game of the 2024-25 NHL season between the Seattle Kraken and the St. Louis Blues, Campbell officially became the first woman in history to serve as coach on the bench full-time in the NHL.
“The coming year will be a lot of fun. But knowing and understanding that there are obviously always at the forefront the thoughts of other women and other people who have the same aspirations as me,” Campbell told NHL.com. “So carrying that torch every day and staying focused on my role as a coach, but it definitely gives the job meaning.”
Campbell spent the last two seasons as the top assistant for the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
When former Coachella Valley head coach Dan Bylsma was promoted to head coach of the Seattle Kraken in July, he quickly recruited Campbell as an assistant at the NHL level.
“Jessica and I have spent the last two years coaching at Coachella Valley,” Seattle head coach Dan Bylsma said.. “I am convinced of what she can do for our staff and bring to the players. I’ve seen her build strong relationships with prospects like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright and Ryker Evans. She has the ability to interact with players about their plays and what they bring to a team. She showed it over the last two seasons, not only with Tye Kartye and the others, but also (veteran leaders) John Hayden and Max McCormick, among others. That’s why she’s such an attractive candidate and why she’s joining our team.
Campbell joins a growing group of women in coaching and management positions in the NHL, a list that also includes several assistant general managers, including Cammi Granato and Hayley Wickenheiser.
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