Will the Former Firebirds' Coaching Staff Bring Their Success to the Kraken?

Dan Bylsma, former head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, began his tenure as the Seattle Kraken's head coach at their recent development camp. Bylsma takes over from Dave Hakstol, the Kraken's first head coach. During his two-year stint with Coachella, Bylsma led the Kraken's AHL team to the Calder Cup finals, igniting optimism among Seattle fans for the upcoming Kraken season.

Bylsma's coaching career highlights his success, including a Stanley Cup win with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. Before coaching, he played five years in the NHL with the L.A. Kings and spent several years in the AHL. 

On the ice with Bylsma was Jessica Campbell, the Kraken's new assistant coach who previously served in the same role under Bylsma in Coachella. Campbell made history in 2022 as the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League, fueling speculation about her possible advancement to head coach in Coachella.

Campbell attended the Kraken's development camp for the second year. The Starbucks rink was filled to capacity with 500 eager fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the NHL's pioneering woman coach.

The next opportunity to see the dynamic duo will be in the upcoming Kraken training camp. Public viewing details will be posted soon on the Kraken Community Iceplex's website.