Jessica Eve Campbell: Breaking Barriers in Ice Hockey Coaching
Jessica Eve Campbell, born on June 24, 1992, is a trailblazer in the world of ice hockey. As the assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL), she holds the distinction of being the first female coach in NHL history. Her journey from a talented player to a respected coach is not just inspiring; it is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
Early Life and Playing Career
Campbell’s hockey journey began in Saskatchewan, where she demonstrated her leadership skills as a three-year member of Team Saskatchewan, even serving as team captain. Her talent was evident early on, as she competed in the National Women’s Under-18 Championships, leading her team to several commendable finishes. She also excelled at the provincial level, winning a gold medal with the Melville Millionaires in 2006.
Her skills caught the attention of Hockey Canada, where she became part of the Pursuit of Excellence program. As captain, she led her team to success, finishing as the top scorer and earning accolades like the tournament MVP at the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament in 2009.
Campbell’s collegiate career unfolded at Cornell University, where she played for the Cornell Big Red women’s ice hockey team from the 2010–11 season to 2013–14. Her collegiate performance included scoring a hat trick in her debut season and finishing with impressive stats, totaling 100 points over her NCAA career.
After college, Campbell took her talents to the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), playing for the Calgary Inferno. She made history in the 2014–15 CWHL All-Star Game as the first rookie to serve as captain of an All-Star team. Her contributions were pivotal in helping the Inferno clinch their first Clarkson Cup championship in 2016.
International Success
Campbell also made significant contributions on the international stage, representing Canada. She played a key role in securing a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF Women’s U18 World Championship, where she not only led her team in scoring but also scored the game-winning goal in the finals against the United States. Additionally, she earned a silver medal with the national team at the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring from professional play in 2017, Campbell shifted her focus to coaching. She founded JC Powerskating, where she worked with several notable players, including NHL and Olympic stars. Her dedication to youth mental health advocacy was evident when she organized a fundraiser for Do It For Daron, an initiative promoting open dialogue about youth mental health.
In July 2022, Campbell took a significant step in her coaching career by joining the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, becoming the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position behind the bench in the AHL.
A Historic Appointment with the Seattle Kraken
On July 3, 2024, Campbell made history once again when she was appointed as the assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken. This milestone not only marked her as the first female coach in the NHL but also showcased her expertise and commitment to the game. She made her coaching debut during the Kraken’s regular season opener on October 8, 2024, continuing to pave the way for future generations of female coaches in hockey.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Outside of her coaching responsibilities, Campbell has been an advocate for mental health awareness. She participated in the reality show “Battle of the Blades,” where she showcased her skating skills alongside a professional figure skater, raising funds for mental health charities.
Additionally, in 2023, she was named a brand ambassador for Can-i Wellness, promoting oral spray supplements aimed at improving overall health.
Conclusion
Jessica Eve Campbell’s journey from a talented player to a groundbreaking coach illustrates her unwavering dedication to ice hockey. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, Campbell serves as a role model for aspiring athletes and coaches, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to monumental achievements in any field. Her story is not just about personal success; it’s about paving the way for future generations in sports, particularly for women in hockey.
