A Historic Appointment for the Seattle Kraken: Jessica Campbell Joins Coaching Staff
In a landmark move for the NHL, the Seattle Kraken have appointed Jessica Campbell to their coaching staff, making her the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league's history. This appointment not only marks a significant achievement for Campbell but also underscores the progressive vision of the Kraken organization.
Campbell's journey to this historic position has been nothing short of remarkable. A former assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, she has continually shattered glass ceilings throughout her career. In 2022, she made headlines as the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Her leadership as the Firebirds' power-play manager was instrumental in the team's on-ice success.
Under Campbell's guidance, Tye Kartye emerged as one of the AHL's most outstanding rookies, capturing the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award. Kartye's performance, scoring 20 points (11 goals and nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken, is a testament to Campbell’s coaching prowess.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who worked closely with Campbell in Coachella Valley, expressed his confidence in her abilities, stating, “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.”
The path to the NHL has been paved with numerous milestones for Campbell. During the 2014-15 season, she served as team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game. Her groundbreaking role continued at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship, where she became the first woman to coach a men's national team with Team Germany. Campbell also held coaching roles with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 and worked as a power-skating coach for elite athletes such as Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson.
Joining the Kraken means Campbell will likely be at the helm of managing the team's power play once again, a specialty that has defined much of her coaching career. Her previous collaboration with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship adds another layer of familiarity and trust within the team dynamics.
For Campbell, the opportunity to coach at the NHL level is a culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “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.”
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Campbell remains steadfast in her commitment to the daily grind. “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 said.
Her perspective is grounded in a growth mindset, as she emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement over rigid timelines. “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,” Campbell noted.
The Kraken organization has not just bolstered its coaching staff with Campbell's hiring but also added depth to its roster by signing 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour. Together, these strategic moves highlight the Kraken's ambition to forge a competitive and inclusive team identity in the NHL.
As the Seattle Kraken prepare for the upcoming season, Campbell's appointment is more than just a historic footnote; it represents the evolution of hockey as a sport that values excellence, diversity, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Jessica Campbell's influence is poised to inspire both players and fellow coaches, as she continues to break barriers and set new standards in the NHL.