The Seattle Kraken have made a historic hire, having appointed Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach
The move makes Campbell the first woman in NHL history to be hired for a role behind the bench.
Campbell, 32, also made history when she became the first female assistant coach for the team’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, in 2022.
The former Canadian women’s national team member coached the AHL outfit’s forwards and power-play unit, helping them reach the Calder Cup Final, though they lost to the Hershey Bears for the second straight year.
Jessica Campbell Was Considered A Candidate For An Assistant Coaching Role After The Kraken Hired A New Head Coach
The Kraken hired Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma as a replacement for Dave Hakstol in May after the latter was fired after three seasons.
Following his introductory press conference, Bylsma told ESPN that Campbell’s name came up in discussions regarding the same role at the NHL level.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NHL stories via Google! Follow Us
“Obviously now with the last couple of weeks, part of the conversations with [Kraken general manager Ron Francis] about our staff and coaches and what we think the team and the players need,” he said. “That is an ongoing process right now … Jessica and [Firebirds assistant Stu Bickel] have been part of those conversations.”
The team announced her appointment this Wednesday, much to the delight of fans. You can see some of their reactions below:
Also Read: It Took Two Games For Seattle Kraken Fans To Start Fighting For Their New Franchise
The Kraken Have Made Another Key Hire
Seattle also hired former Minnesota Wild assistant coach Bob Woods.
The team was in need of an assistant who could take care of their defense and penalty kill following Jay Leach’s departure.
Woods spent six seasons with the Wild and set up a defensive system that ranked 13th in goals allowed per game while with the team. He followed Dean Evason out the exit door after he was dismissed last November.
