Jessica Campbell Breaks Ground as First Female Full-Time NHL Assistant Coach

Jessica Campbell has made history by becoming the first female full-time assistant coach in the National Hockey League (NHL). The 32-year-old was officially hired by the Seattle Kraken in July and took her place behind the bench during the team’s season opener against the St Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

“I definitely understand that the magnitude and the importance of this moment is really important for our game,” Campbell said in a statement. “It fuels me every day just knowing that I’m a part of something way bigger than myself.”

Prior to joining the Kraken, Campbell made her mark in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds as an assistant coach. Her tenure there was noted for helping the team reach the Calder Cup Finals twice. Seattle’s head coach, Dan Bylsma, himself a former Stanley Cup champion, praised Campbell’s appointment: “Jessica being a female coach in the NHL for the first time, it’s great for her and it’s great for the game.”

“Hopefully somebody else will have a door held open for them versus them having to push it open and find ways to unlock it,” Campbell added, noting the broader impact her role signifies within the sport.

The Kraken’s season opener at Climate Pledge Arena was rife with firsts. It marked the inaugural North American game of the 2024-25 NHL season and the debut game for several players, including Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson, under the guidance of Dan Bylsma. Despite the team’s close 3-2 loss, Campbell’s historic role was celebrated by teammates, fans, and family in attendance.

Among the spectators were Campbell’s aunt and uncle, her first minor league hockey coach Leo Parker, and several former teammates from her college days and Team Canada. Blayre Turnbull, one of her former teammates, expressed profound pride: “It’s like every single emotion you can imagine…I don’t think any of us could be more proud of Jess and what she’s accomplished as a coach but also who she is as a person.”

Campbell, who shares responsibilities for the forwards and power play with her fellow assistants, took her place alongside Dave Lowry and Bob Woods. Goaltender Joey Daccord, reflecting on Campbell’s growth as a coach, stated, “Now she’s much more assertive, and she’s really smart and I think the biggest thing is that she and Dan are just on such the same page that it really allows them to be cohesive in their plan.”

Despite the game outcome not favoring the Kraken, defenseman Vince Dunn noted the significance of Campbell’s presence. “It certainly makes a statement around the world for all women, so it’s a special moment for her tonight,” Dunn said.

The evening concluded with Campbell reuniting with her family and friends, celebrating the groundbreaking achievement over a dinner. Reflecting on the importance of her milestone, Campbell noted, “I just know that the young kids who are at their first hockey game tomorrow, all they’re going to know is that there can be a female coach behind the bench, it’s really special for me.”