As the first female coach in the NHL, Jessica Campbell is making ice hockey history again. She works on the bench of the Seattle Kraken.
The 31-year-old, who was assistant to the then national coach Toni Söderholm at the 2022 World Cup, will support the new head coach Dan Bylsma behind the bench at the Seattle Kraken. The franchise announced this on Wednesday (July 3, 2024).
Also in Nuremberg on the bench
The Canadian has been Bylsma’s assistant coach for the past two seasons with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Kraken’s farm team. Following his promotion, Campbell is now taking the step to the NHL. The former national player also worked as the first female coach in the German Ice Hockey League in 2021/22. At that time, head coach Tom Rowe brought her to the Nuremberg Ice Tigers.
“During our time in Coachella Valley, I experienced firsthand Jessica’s commitment to player development,” said Bylsma. “I look forward to continuing to work with her.”
Reunion with Philipp Grubauer
Campbell achieved a milestone at the World Championships two years ago in Söderholm’s home country of Finland as the first female coach in this role. Philipp Grubauer, then and now the Seattle Kraken goalkeeper, was part of the German squad at the tournament. This means that they will meet again.
