The Seattle Kraken made history this week by hiring Jessica Campbell as the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to be stationed behind a team’s bench. Campbell previously worked as an assistant coach for Seattle’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley alongside head coach Dan Bylsma, who was recently hired to lead the Kraken.
Bylsma expressed his confidence in Campbell’s abilities, citing her strong relationships with players and her understanding of the game. Campbell, a former college hockey player at Cornell and a gold medalist in the Women’s U18 World Championships, brings a wealth of experience to the role. She retired from playing in 2017 and founded the player development brand JC Powerskating.
Campbell, a 32-year-old native of Rocanville, Saskatchewan, made history as the first full-time female assistant coach in the AHL when she joined Coachella Valley. She also had a brief stint as an assistant on the Kraken bench for a preseason game against Calgary in September.
The addition of Campbell to the coaching staff marks a significant milestone for women in the NHL. Emily Engel-Natzke previously made history as the first woman with a full-time assistant role in the league when she was hired by the Washington Capitals in 2022.
The Kraken, who missed the playoffs last season, are set to open their upcoming season against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 8. Despite not making the playoffs last season, the Kraken qualified for the postseason during the 2022-23 season, demonstrating their potential for success in the future.