How Jessica Campbell’s hockey journey led to her history-making debut with the Kraken

Jessica Campbell is breaking barriers in the NHL as the first woman to be behind the bench on opening night for the Seattle Kraken. Her journey started with big dreams of playing in the NHL as a young girl, despite the lack of opportunities for women in professional hockey. Campbell’s success as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds has led to her current role with the Kraken, where she hopes to help the team overcome offensive deficiencies and make a return to the playoffs. Campbell’s dedication, care for her players, and commitment to learning and self-improvement set her apart as a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of NHL coaching. Jessica Campbell, a former power skating and skill development coach, emphasizes the importance of players being true to themselves to excel in the game and industry. She has successfully coached both young and veteran players, including NHL stars like Brandon Montour and Damon Severson. Despite facing skepticism and doubt, Campbell persisted and proved her coaching abilities, eventually becoming the first woman assistant coach in the NHL. Her dedication and innovative coaching methods have helped teams like the Nürnberg Ice Tigers and the German men’s national team achieve success on the ice. Coaching at the men’s world championships was a historic moment for Campbell, as she became the first woman to ever coach at the tournament. Working with Germany was a foundational experience for her, as head coach Toni Söderholm gave her the confidence to fully embrace her coaching role. The word “ytimessä” embodied the culture Söderholm sought to achieve within the national team. Before her first NHL game as a Kraken assistant coach, Campbell sought fashion advice from her friend, ultimately choosing a white suit with a scarf. While her experience with the German national team required her to conform to traditional attire, being with the Kraken allowed her to express her own style. Opening night was a special moment for Campbell, as she was introduced to the crowd and felt the magnitude of the moment as she realized she was part of something bigger than herself in the industry and the community.