Jessica Campbell Makes History as NHL’s First Female Coach

Jessica Campbell has made ice hockey history as the first full-time woman to coach a game in the NHL. The Seattle Kraken assistant coach made her debut during the NHL season opener against the St. Louis Blues on October 8. Although the Kraken lost 3-2, this momentous occasion will be remembered as a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution, breaking the glass ceiling in a traditionally male-dominated field.

After her first game, Campbell reflected on the significance of her role, stating, “For me, it’s just a normal day.”

“I think the moment leading up to the game and stepping on the bench…I’m really going to try to honour what it is, because I know, and I definitely understand that the magnitude and the importance of this moment is really important for our game.”

Before her coaching journey, Jessica Campbell was a renowned hockey player. As a forward, she played for the Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) before represented Canada on the international stage, winning multiple gold and silver medals. Her experiences on the ice laid a solid foundation for her transition into coaching, where she has since demonstrated remarkable leadership and development skills.

Following her playing days, she began her journey as an assistant coach for the U18 women’s national team, where she played a vital role in developing young talent. She then gained international experience coaching in Sweden with the Malmö Redhawks and served as an assistant coach for the men’s national team in Germany and the Nürnberg Ice Tigers. Campbell then made history in the American Hockey League (AHL) as the first female coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds from 2022 to 2024, ultimately leading her to the NHL.

Reflecting on her role, Campbell said, “It fuels me every day just knowing that I’m a part of something way bigger than myself and my job and coaching. The year ahead is going to be a lot of fun. To carry that torch every day and keep my focus on being a coach, it definitely puts meaning into the work.” Her words resonate beyond her personal journey, inspiring future generations of female athletes and coaches to pursue their dreams in a sport that continues to evolve.

Stay ahead of the latest sports business trends by subscribing to our free Ministry of Sport newsletter. Unlock even more insights with our exclusive membership plans today!