The Rise of Jessica Campbell: Breaking Barriers in the NHL
In the spring of 2020, the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the NHL season was suspended. Amidst this uncertainty, Damon Severson, a defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, found himself searching for a place to skate in preparation for the league’s eventual return. Fortunately, a childhood friend, Jessica Campbell, had access to ice time in Kelowna, B.C., where she was running small group skills sessions through her power skating business, JC Power Skating.
Severson and a few teammates decided to join Campbell’s sessions, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “The first time we got off the ice after one of her sessions, the boys were like, ‘That was a really good skate. She knows what she’s doing,’” Severson recalled. Campbell’s business, which had launched just a year prior, quickly gained traction as word spread about her high-tempo drills that mimicked real game situations. Soon, NHL players like Luke Schenn, Tyson Jost, Brent Seabrook, and Shea Weber were flocking to her sessions.
A Shift in Perspective
Before this experience, Campbell had primarily envisioned herself as an NHL skating coach rather than a full-fledged coach. However, as more NHL players began attending her sessions, she started to see the potential for a broader coaching role. Working closely with Seabrook, who was recovering from multiple surgeries, helped solidify this vision. “Brent and the guys in Kelowna, they showed up for me and almost gave me permission to believe in this dream,” Campbell said.
This pivotal moment propelled Campbell into the coaching spotlight. She went on to work in the Swedish Hockey League and with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in Germany. In May 2022, she made history by becoming the first woman to coach at the men’s world championships as an assistant coach for the German national team. Just two months later, she broke new ground again by becoming the first woman to coach in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the minor-league affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.
Making History with the Kraken
As the Kraken prepared for their regular season debut against the St. Louis Blues, Campbell was set to be behind the bench as an assistant coach. This marked a monumental moment in NHL history, as no woman had ever held a full-time coaching position in the league before. For Campbell, this achievement was the culmination of a journey that had taken her thousands of miles from her hometown of Melville, Saskatchewan, to Europe and now the Pacific Northwest.
Dan Bylsma, the new head coach of the Kraken, emphasized the significance of Campbell’s role. “We’re going to see a woman behind the bench for the first time in the National Hockey League and it’s monumental,” he stated. “But the goal was to get the best coach — and it happened to be Jessica Campbell.”
The Path to Coaching
Campbell first caught Bylsma’s attention during the 2022 men’s world championships, where he was impressed by her contributions to the German national team. He was looking for fresh coaching talent for the Coachella Valley Firebirds and quickly added Campbell to his shortlist. Her reputation as a skilled coach had preceded her, particularly after her successful stint in Nürnberg, where she revitalized the team’s power play.
When Bylsma reached out to Campbell about a coaching opportunity, she initially thought it might be a prank. However, she responded, and a month later, she officially joined his staff. Over the next two years, Campbell focused on player development and ran the Firebirds’ power play, contributing to the team’s success, which included back-to-back Calder Cup Finals appearances.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Known for her excellent communication skills, Campbell takes the time to understand each player’s individual needs. Whether a player requires encouragement, extra practice, or a tough-love approach, she adapts her coaching style accordingly. Her background as a skills coach allows her to work closely with players on their skating and other technical aspects of their game.
“She has something to provide to players, and they immediately recognize what she has to offer to them and their careers and their growth and development,” Bylsma remarked. Campbell’s all-in attitude and dedication to her players have made her a respected figure in coaching circles.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Jessica Campbell’s journey to becoming the first woman to coach in the NHL is not just a personal achievement; it represents a significant step forward for women in sports. With a background as a player at Cornell and a member of Team Canada, Campbell has always been passionate about hockey. Her relentless work ethic and commitment to helping players improve have been hallmarks of her coaching career.
As she prepares for her first season with the Kraken, Campbell remains focused on her primary goal: to be a good coach and help the team succeed. “I have to continue to do what I’ve always done, and that’s to do my job to the best of my ability,” she stated.
The Future of Women in Coaching
The NHL has historically lagged behind other professional sports in terms of diversity, particularly in coaching roles. However, initiatives like the NHL Coaches Association’s female coaches program are working to change that narrative. This program aims to support the development of women in coaching through networking opportunities and visibility, normalizing the idea of women coaching men.
Lindsay Pennal, the executive director of the NHL Coaches’ Association, envisions a future where hiring a woman as a coach is no longer a groundbreaking event but rather a standard practice. “I envision a world where it’s not newsworthy that Jess is hired because she’s a woman,” she said. “It’s just newsworthy because a team hired a new coach, period.”
As Jessica Campbell embarks on this historic chapter in her career, she carries the hopes of many aspiring female coaches with her. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the belief that women can excel in all facets of the game.