Jessica Campbell, a former Canadian international player and now the Assistant Coach for the Seattle Kraken, made history by coaching her first NHL match on October 8th. She debuted in the NHL regular season opener against the St. Louis Blues. Although the Kraken lost 3-2, this night was significant as Campbell became the first female coach in NHL history. Fans gathered at Climate Pledge Arena to witness this milestone.
Before retiring, Campbell had a successful international career, winning four Nations Cups and earning a silver medal with the Canadian Women’s Hockey team at the 2015 World Championship.
This is not her first coaching role; she has been coaching since 2017, working with youth leagues and the Malmo Redhawks for a season. Additionally, she coached in Germany for the men’s national team before moving to the U.S., where she joined the Kraken’s top minor league affiliate in the American Hockey League. There, she focused on developing forwards and power play.
Campbell’s big break came in July 2024 when she was offered a coaching position with the Kraken for the 2024-25 NHL season, joining head coach Dan Bylsma. This is the fourth season for the Kraken since their establishment in 2018, and their highest achievement so far was reaching the playoffs in the 2022-23 season.
She is also a member of the NHL Coaches’ Association’s Female Coaches Program, which aims to support female coaches in strategies for leading a hockey team to success. The program assists in player development skills, career advancement, and communication tactics. It has grown to support over 100 women, the largest cohort in its history.
Seattle’s organization comprises 44% females and 23% BIPOC individuals, demonstrating a commitment to supporting and uplifting their female counterparts. However, Campbell did not earn her position simply because she is a woman—she got the job due to her talent and hard work. She brings a unique perspective and skill set that no other NHL team possesses, serving as an inspiration to women aspiring to work in the sports industry or any male-dominated field.