Breaking Barriers: Jessica Campbell Becomes NHL's First Female On-Bench Coach

Jessica Campbell recently made history as the first woman to serve as an on-the-bench assistant coach in the NHL, joining the Seattle Kraken in this groundbreaking role.

The 32-year-old from Rocanville, Saskatchewan, brings a wealth of experience to her position, having previously worked as an assistant coach for the Kraken's AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Campbell's coaching journey has been shaped by a decorated playing career, including stints in the NCAA, the Canadian Women's Hockey League, and with Canada's women's national team, where she earned a silver medal at the 2015 World Championship.

In an interview ahead of her participation in Kelowna Hockey Fest, Campbell reflected on how her early coaching experiences, particularly in Kelowna, have prepared her for this significant role.

"In sport, you're always drawing on that experience and the work you've done to build that confidence," she said.

She emphasized how her time in Kelowna, where she established her own business and worked closely with professional athletes, allowed her to find her coaching voice.

This foundation, she believes, has been crucial as she steps into her new role with the Kraken.

Campbell also discussed the importance of building relationships with players, which she considers to be at the core of effective coaching.

She explained that approaching athletes as human beings first, focusing on their needs and how she can support them, is key to establishing trust and rapport.

"At the end of the day, we're all human beings," Campbell said, stressing that it's about helping the athletes and making sure they know she cares about them from the start.

By showing up for them and listening to their needs, she aims to bridge gaps and provide the support they require.

When asked about overcoming self-imposed barriers, Campbell shared her philosophy of maintaining an optimistic mindset.

She believes that focusing on the positive and staying hopeful can help shatter the obstacles one might place in front of oneself.

"I'm always thinking about the optimistic side, the hopeful side," she noted, adding that this approach has helped her stay focused on what truly matters.

The topic of gender in her role was also addressed.

While Campbell acknowledges the complexities surrounding gender in sports, she has always approached her career with the belief that her abilities should speak for themselves, regardless of gender.

She highlighted the importance of leveraging her unique traits, including those she views as more feminine, to make her coaching style authentic.

"I think having different minds and different people in the room makes the team stronger," Campbell said, encouraging both young girls and boys to embrace their differences with confidence.

As Campbell embarks on this new chapter with the Seattle Kraken, she remains committed to her philosophy of trust, respect, and authenticity.

Her historic achievement is not just a personal milestone but a significant step forward for women in hockey and sports overall.