Historic Appointment to Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
In a landmark move for professional hockey, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL's storied history. Campbell's ascent within the coaching ranks is both historic and significant, given her profound impact on players and teams across various leagues.
Campbell's journey to the NHL is paved with noteworthy accomplishments and pioneering achievements. Before her groundbreaking appointment with the Kraken, Campbell made history in 2022 as the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) while serving as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds. During her time with the Firebirds, she managed the team's power play, bringing her expertise and innovative strategies to the ice.
“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,” remarked Kraken coach Dan Bylsma.
Campbell's coaching prowess was further highlighted when Tye Kartye, a player she coached, won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye's performance, which included scoring 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken, is a testament to Campbell's effective mentoring and training techniques.
Throughout her career, Campbell has consistently broken barriers. She was the first woman to serve as a coach at the IIHF Men's World Championship, coaching Team Germany in 2022. Her role there extended to working with notable players, including Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
The Canadian coach's influence extends beyond team strategy; she has also provided specialized training as a power-skating coach for elite athletes like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. This holistic approach to player development, focusing on both mental and physical aspects, has distinguished Campbell from her peers.
Reflecting on her career and the recent achievements, 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.”
The Seattle Kraken, a team rapidly making a name for itself in the NHL, is poised to benefit significantly from Campbell's expertise. Given her background and tactical understanding, she is expected to head the Kraken's power play, a critical component for any successful hockey team.
Campbell's history of working with high-caliber players and her relentless commitment to growth have not gone unnoticed. “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 said.
Her philosophy of maintaining a growth mindset and focusing on daily improvement aligns perfectly with the high-stakes environment of the NHL, where adaptation and progress are key to 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,” Campbell emphasized.
In addition to her coaching duties, Campbell's presence on the Kraken’s staff symbolizes a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity in the NHL. The appointment of a woman to a full-time coaching role not only breaks the gender barrier but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of female athletes and coaches.
As the Seattle Kraken look to build on their recent successes, including signing 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, Campbell's role will be pivotal. Her innovative strategies, commitment to player development, and unyielding drive will undoubtedly impact the team’s performance and culture.
Jessica Campbell's appointment marks a significant moment in NHL history, one that underscores the evolving nature of professional sports. With her at the helm of the Kraken’s power play, the future looks promising for both Campbell and the Seattle Kraken.