The Seattle Kraken kicked off their 2024-25 season against the St. Louis Blues, marking a historic moment.
Jessica Campbell made history as she stood behind the bench as the first female assistant coach in an NHL regular-season game. She had a notable career playing for Cornell and Canada’s National Team, where she snagged a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships. After retiring from international play in 2017, she transitioned into coaching, initially focusing on power skating through her own company. In the 2023-24 season, Campbell joined the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, Coachella Valley Firebirds, as an assistant coach. Her promotion to assist Dan Bylsma with the NHL team this season was groundbreaking.
This is a huge leap forward for hockey! Not only does it highlight Campbell’s achievement as the first woman in such a prominent coaching role, but it also reflects a shift toward greater diversity in what has traditionally been one of North America’s least diverse sports.
Header Text: Breaking Barriers
Fans might think it’s about time hockey embraces more diversity and inclusivity. The league is slowly evolving, and Campbell’s presence is a big step toward that change.
While some may say it’s just another game or another season opener, this event represents much more—an opportunity to challenge norms and inspire future generations of players and coaches alike. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see even more women breaking into these roles soon!
What do you think about Jessica Campbell’s historic moment?
