Breaking New Ground: Jessica Campbell Joins Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
The Seattle Kraken have made a landmark appointment by bringing Jessica Campbell into their coaching staff, marking her as the first full-time female coach in NHL history. This significant step forward in professional hockey underscores the Kraken's commitment to diversity and innovation within their organization.
Jessica Campbell’s journey to this historic milestone is paved with numerous groundbreaking achievements. Before joining the Kraken, Campbell served as an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she managed the team’s power play. Her tenure there was marked by remarkable player development, particularly with standout Tye Kartye.
A Pioneer in Ice Hockey
In 2022, Campbell shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Her ability to inspire and mentor players has been widely recognized, not least by Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who witnessed her work ethic and commitment firsthand at Coachella Valley. “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 said.
Player Development and Success Stories
One of Campbell's protégés, Tye Kartye, flourished under her guidance, capturing the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye’s impressive statistics—20 points from 11 goals and 9 assists over 77 games for the Kraken—speak volumes about Campbell’s coaching acumen and her ability to elevate her players' performances.
Campbell's knack for developing talent was also noted during her time with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021 and when she served as a power-skating coach for prominent athletes like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. Furthermore, she made history again at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship by becoming the first woman to coach a men's national team, working with Team Germany and closely mentoring Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
A Relentless Commitment to Improvement
For Campbell, reaching the pinnacle of hockey coaching is a testament to her relentless dedication and growth mindset. “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,” Campbell remarked. She brings this ethos to the Kraken, with a likely focus on taking the helm of the team's power play strategy.
In addition to her technical know-how, Campbell prides herself on fostering strong relationships with her players. Her ability to connect with and inspire those she coaches is evident through the accolades her players have achieved. Kraken coach Bylsma acknowledges this, emphasizing the importance of Campbell's player-first approach in her new role. “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,” Campbell said.
Looking Ahead
With an illustrious background and a demonstrated ability to push boundaries, Jessica Campbell’s addition to the Seattle Kraken represents more than just a historical appointment; it is a strategic move aimed at harnessing her unique skills to propel the team forward. The Kraken’s signing of 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour further signals their intent to build a robust roster under the guidance of an innovative coaching team.
As Campbell embarks on this new chapter, the NHL and the broader hockey community will no doubt be closely watching. Her trailblazing career and success in player development set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and transformative era for the Seattle Kraken.