Campbell will become the first ever full-time female assistant coach in the NHL
The Seattle Kraken announced that former Coachella Valley Firebirds assistant coach Jessica Campbell will join the Kraken in the same role, Campbell will become the first ever full-time female assistant coach in the NHL.
Campbell was a key member of the Firebirds staff, helping the team reach the Calder Cup Final in both the franchises two seasons in the AHL.
The 32-year-old will work with the Kraken forwards and contribute to the powerplay, she helped the Firebirds lead the AHL in goals scored this season.
Campbell was a skills and assistant coach for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers of the DEL in 2021-22, before serving as an assistant coach for Germany at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship. She became the first woman to be on the coaching staff of any men's team at the tournament.
The Moosomin, SK, native played college hockey at Cornell University, recording 100 points in 131 career games and captaining the team her fourth season. She played three seasons for the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL and one season with the Malmö Redhawks in Division 1 in Sweden before transitioning to coaching with Pursuit of Excellence in Kelowna.
Dan Bylsma - Coachella Valley's head coach the last two seasons - adds Campbell and Bob Woods to his Seattle coaching staff that will also see goaltender coach Steve Briere and assistant coach Dave Lowry return to their roles.
Campbell and Bylsma look to translate the familiarity and success they have had together in the AHL to the NHL and bring the Kraken back to the playoffs next season.
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