The Seattle Kraken have recently made headlines by hiring Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach, making her the first woman to hold such a position in NHL history. This isn’t Campbell’s first time breaking barriers, as she previously made history as the first woman behind a bench in the AHL when she was hired as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2022. During her time with the Firebirds, Campbell focused on coaching the team’s forwards and power-play unit, playing a key role in their journey to the Calder Cup Final. However, despite her impressive track record, Campbell’s hiring seems to mark a significant milestone for women in hockey.
In addition to Campbell, the Kraken have also brought on former Minnesota Wild assistant coach Bob Woods to oversee their defense and penalty kill. Woods, who spent over six years with the Wild, implemented a defensive structure that ranked 13th in goals allowed per game during his tenure. The addition of Woods, alongside Campbell and head coach Dan Bylsma, comes as part of an active offseason for the Kraken following their disappointing performance in the 2023-24 season.
The Kraken’s decision to revamp their coaching staff comes after a season where they narrowly missed out on advancing to the Western Conference finals only to then fall short of the playoffs. This led to the firing of head coach Dave Hakstol and assistant coach Paul McFarland, marking a significant shift in the team’s leadership. The team went from boasting impressive offensive statistics in the 2022-23 season to struggling in the 2023-24 season. To address their needs, the Kraken signed defenseman Brandon Montour and center Chandler Stephenson to long-term contracts, adding depth to their roster.
Jessica Campbell’s coaching career has been nothing short of impressive, starting with her time at Cornell where she captained the Big Red in her senior year. Her professional playing experience in Canada and Sweden has provided her with valuable insights that she now brings into her coaching career. Campbell’s impact was evident during her time with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she led the team to success on both the offensive and defensive ends. Her ability to connect with players and focus on skill development has set her apart as a rising star in the coaching world.
As Campbell joins the NHL as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken, she opens the door for more women to pursue coaching roles in professional hockey. Her success story serves as inspiration for aspiring female coaches looking to make their mark in a male-dominated industry. With a strong coaching staff in place and a talented roster at her disposal, Campbell has the opportunity to continue breaking barriers and making history in the NHL.
The Seattle Kraken’s decision to hire Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach represents a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in the NHL. Campbell’s hiring not only breaks down barriers for women in hockey but also highlights the importance of recognizing talent and expertise regardless of gender. As she embarks on this new chapter in her coaching career, Campbell has the chance to inspire a new generation of female coaches and leave a lasting impact on the sport of hockey.
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