Jessica Campbell continues to make history. When the puck dropped in the opening game of the 2024-2025 NHL season between the Seattle Kraken and the St. Louis Blues, Campbell officially became the first woman in history to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL.

“The coming year will be a lot of fun. But knowing and understanding that obviously the thoughts of other women and other people who have the same ambitions as me are still at the forefront,” Campbell told NHL.com. “So, carrying that torch forward every day and continuing to focus on the job as a coach, but it definitely gives the job meaning.”

Campbell spent the last two seasons as a top assistant for the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

When former Coachella Valley head coach Dan Bylsma was promoted to head coach of the Seattle Kraken in July, he quickly brought Campbell on board as an assistant at the NHL level.

“Jessica and I have spent the last two years coaching in the Coachella Valley,” said Seattle head coach Dan Bylsma. “I am confident in what she can do for our staff and bring to the players. I’ve watched her build strong relationships with prospects like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright and Ryker Evans. She has the ability to tell players about their games and their contribution to a team. She’s proven that over the last two seasons, not just with Tye Kartye and the others, but with (experienced leaders) John Hayden and Max McCormick, among others. That’s why she is such an attractive candidate and will strengthen our workforce.”

Campbell joins a growing group of women seeking coaching and management positions in the NHL, which also includes several assistant general managers, including Cammi Granato and Hayley Wickenheiser.

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