SEATTLE KRAKEN MAKE HISTORIC HIRE WITH JESSICA CAMPBELL
In a groundbreaking move, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the coaching staff of the Seattle Kraken, becoming the first woman in NHL history to serve as a full-time coach. Campbell’s journey has been marked by several milestones, and her new role continues to set precedents in the world of hockey.
With a remarkable coaching resume, Campbell arrives at the Kraken armed with years of experience and a proven track record. She previously served as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she managed the team’s power play and developed some of the league’s brightest talents.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma emphasized Campbell’s influence on player development during her tenure with the Firebirds. “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,” Bylsma stated.
A Distinguished Coaching Career
Before joining the Kraken, Campbell broke barriers by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2022. Her leadership skills were on full display when she captained the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game in the 2014-15 season. Furthermore, Campbell made history by coaching a men’s national team during the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship with Team Germany.
Her coaching abilities have been widely recognized, particularly in her work with individual players. Tye Kartye, who won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie, flourished under Campbell’s guidance. Kartye recorded 20 points, including 11 goals and 9 assists, over 77 games for the Kraken.
Campbell’s impact extends beyond individual accolades; she’s known for her work as a power-skating coach for high-profile athletes such as Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. She also served in coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 and worked closely with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
Power Play Expertise
As Campbell joins the Kraken coaching staff, she is expected to take charge of the team’s power play. Her previous success in this area with the Firebirds signals a promising enhancement for the NHL team’s special teams unit.
The significance of Campbell’s appointment is not lost on her. “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 expressed.
While her achievements are historic, Campbell maintains a forward-looking vision grounded in daily 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 remarked.
A Growth Mindset
Campbell’s philosophy is centered around perpetual growth, an outlook that has undoubtedly contributed to her success. “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 noted.
Jessica Campbell’s appointment to the Seattle Kraken represents a monumental step for diversity and inclusion in professional hockey. Her extensive background, coupled with her dedication to player development, positions her as a valuable asset to the Kraken’s coaching staff. As the team looks toward future successes, Campbell’s trailblazing presence will undoubtedly inspire both players and fellow coaches alike.