The Seattle Kraken made history this week by hiring Jessica Campbell as the NHL’s first full-time female assistant coach. Campbell, 31, joins new head coach Dan Bylsma’s staff along with fellow assistant Bob Woods, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team.
Campbell previously served as an assistant coach on Bylsma’s staff with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds for the past two seasons. During her time with the Firebirds, Campbell built strong relationships with players and helped lead the team to the Calder Cup Final in both 2023 and 2024.
Bylsma spoke highly of Campbell’s coaching abilities, praising her for her ability to relate to players and bring out the best in them. He highlighted her success in working with both young prospects and veteran leaders, demonstrating her versatility and effectiveness as a coach.
Campbell’s coaching career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including serving as an assistant coach for Germany at the IIHF Men’s World Championship in 2022. She also has experience coaching in Germany with Nurnberg and playing professionally in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Calgary Inferno before transitioning into coaching.
A native of Saskatchewan, Campbell brings a wealth of playing experience to her coaching role, having played college hockey at Cornell and winning gold medals with Canada at the World U18 Championship and the 4 Nations Cup. Her diverse background and passion for the game make her a valuable addition to the Kraken coaching staff.
Campbell and Woods will join a staff that includes returning assistant coach Dave Lowry and goaltending coach Steve Briere, forming a dynamic team dedicated to helping the Kraken succeed in their upcoming season.
The hiring of Jessica Campbell as the NHL’s first full-time female assistant coach is a significant milestone for the league, highlighting the progress being made towards greater diversity and inclusion in professional hockey. Campbell’s appointment serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike, demonstrating that talent and passion know no gender boundaries in the world of sports.
