The Seattle Kraken Make History With This Hiring

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Joshua Deeds
July 3, 2024 (6:03 PM)

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The Seattle Kraken have broken a glass ceiling today, as they have hired Jessica Campbell in the NHL, as an Assistant Coach.

She will be assistant coach to Kraken's Head Coach Dan Bylsma who explained earlier in the year after his hiring, that Campbell would be considered for the position.

Campbell worked the past two seasons in the AHL with the Flint Valley Firebirds, with now, Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma.

She will make history when she first steps behind the bench in the NHL, as she will be a full-time assistant coach in the league.

"During our tenure in Coachella Valley, I saw firsthand Jessica's commitment to player development," Bylsma said. "Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with her at the NHL level."

History made!

Jessica Campbell is now the Seattle Kraken assistant coach, the first woman ever to be behind an NHL bench

The 32-year-old, Rocanville, Sask., born first became the 1st Female AHL assistant coach, hired prior to the 1st season of play for the Firebirds franchise.

Campbell is undoubtedly a result of the NHL Coaches Association initiative in 2021, to develop more Female talent behind the bench.

The NHL Coaches Association launched a Female Coaches Development Program in 2021 to grow the pool of available candidates.

Campbell will continue to put his wits and skills into developing successful teams behind the bench, and the Kraken will have a considerably different look in 2024.

Source: CBC
Jessica Campbell to become 1st woman on an NHL bench as assistant coach with Kraken