Seattle Kraken Make Historic Coaching Addition with Jessica Campbell
The Seattle Kraken have made a groundbreaking move by appointing Jessica Campbell to their coaching staff, marking her as the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in NHL history. This pioneering appointment not only shatters a significant glass ceiling but also brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Kraken bench.
Campbell’s ascent in the world of hockey coaching has been nothing short of remarkable. Before joining the Kraken, she already made history as the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2022, serving as an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. During her tenure with the Firebirds, she was instrumental in managing the team’s power play, demonstrating her ability to enhance team performance in critical areas.
Her coaching prowess was further evidenced by the development of standout players like Tye Kartye, who thrived under her guidance. Kartye’s stellar performance earned him the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie, cementing Campbell’s reputation as a top-tier developmental coach. Kartye’s transition to the NHL, where he scored 20 points for the Kraken, is a testament to Campbell’s impactful coaching.
Campbell’s career highlights extend beyond the AHL. In 2014, she served as the team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game, showcasing her leadership abilities on the ice. Moreover, she broke yet another barrier in 2022 by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team during the IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Her experience with Team Germany included working closely with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, further fortifying her credentials.
Reflecting on her journey, Campbell stated, “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.” Her words resonate with a deep commitment to the sport and an unwavering dedication to her role.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma echoed this sentiment, recognizing Campbell’s invaluable contribution to player development. “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 remarked.
Campbell’s coaching philosophy centers around maintaining a growth mindset and focusing on day-to-day improvements. “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 shared. This approach underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence without being bound by rigid timelines or expectations.
Her trajectory in coaching has also included roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers and as a power-skating coach for elite athletes like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. These diverse experiences have honed her skills and prepared her for the challenges of coaching at the highest level of the sport.
As Campbell joins the Kraken, she is expected to take on responsibility for the team’s power play, a crucial aspect of any hockey team’s strategy. Her track record with the Firebirds suggests that she is well-equipped to elevate the Kraken’s performance in this area.
With the addition of Campbell, the Kraken not only enrich their coaching staff with exceptional talent but also send a powerful message about the evolving opportunities for women in professional hockey. As Campbell puts it, “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.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Campbell embarks on this historic chapter with the Seattle Kraken, hopeful that her trailblazing role will inspire future generations in the world of hockey.