Jessica Campbell has made history as the first female full-time assistant coach in NHL history after being hired by the Seattle Kraken in July. Campbell was introduced during the Kraken's season opener against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, receiving a warm applause from the audience.
Reflecting on her historic role, Campbell stated, "I'm really going to try to honor what it is, because I know... the magnitude and the importance of this moment is really important for our game." Although the Kraken lost the game 3-2, head coach Dan Bylsma acknowledged Campbell's significance, saying, "Jessica being a female coach in the NHL for the first time, it's great for her and it's great for the game."
Prior to her NHL role, Campbell made history in the American Hockey League (AHL) as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she helped the team reach the Calder Cup Finals in both of her seasons there. Bylsma, a former Stanley Cup champion, brought Campbell to the Kraken following his appointment as head coach in May.
Campbell emphasized her focus on her responsibilities while acknowledging the significance of her position: “For me, it's just a normal day... but I also know that being focused on the task at hand has allowed me to get to this moment."
At 32, Campbell has a strong hockey background, having played at Cornell University and professionally in Canada and Sweden. She hopes her achievement will inspire others, saying, “Hopefully somebody else will have a door held open for them versus them having to push it open."
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