The Seattle Kraken have made NHL history after announcing the hiring of Jessica Campbell, who will now be known as the league’s first full-time female coach.
Campbell, 31, is no stranger to the Kraken organization as she has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, member of the American Hockey League (AHL) and affiliate of the Kraken.
Hockey has long been in her background after playing her collegiate career at Cornell Uninversity, she later went on to play in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) where she served as team captain for the first ever All-Star game.
Campbell’s commitment to player development is what stands out the most in her coaching style.
Being a part of the coaching staff in the Kraken organization is what prepared her for this job. As the players have moved up the ladder to the NHL, she has to.
“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 told the media after a preseason game against Calgary.
She never pictured herself getting an opportunity to coach at the NHL level and after the big signings the Kraken have made in the off season including that of a recent Stanley Cup Champion, Brandon Montour, formerly of the Florida Panthers, the future is bright in Seattle.
Campbell and the Kraken kickoff the 2024-2025 season on Tuesday Oct. 8th against the St.Louis Blues.