Jessica Campbell: First Female Assistant Coach in NHL History
Breaking New Ground in the NHL
Jessica Campbell makes history on the opening night of the National Hockey League (NHL) season by becoming the first ever female assistant coach in the league. Campbell was behind the bench as the Seattle Kraken took on the St. Louis Blues at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Tuesday.
Exciting Begining with a Strong Background
At 32 years old, Campbell was named an assistant coach in July by incoming head coach Dan Bylsma, having previously coached together with a Kraken minor league team. “The year ahead is going to be a lot of fun. But to know and to understand that obviously, there are still at the forefront the thoughts of other women and other people who have the same aspirations as I do,” she shared with NHL.com.
- Historic milestone for female coaches in hockey
- Emotional start to the new season
- Bylsma and Campbell worked together at minor league level
A Record of Achievement
Campbell’s resume speaks for itself coming into her first NHL season. As a player, she won the under-18 Women’s World Championship in 2010 and silver in the 2015 Women’s World Championship. She also made history as the first female coach in the American Hockey League while with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2022.
- Her journey as a player
- Transitioning to coaching
- New challenges ahead
“Two years ago, she was a young coach. She had to grow and improve as a coach and I think our relationship has been that,” Bylsma explained. “Getting the opportunity in the NHL is because I believe in the skill and the attributes she brings.”
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