Seattle Kraken’s Jessica Campbell makes history as first female NHL assistant coach

Jessica Campbell is in a league of her own.

The Seattle Kraken hired Campbell in July as an assistant coach, making her the first female full-time assistant coach behind the bench in NHL history. Campbell received applause when she was introduced at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday as she took her place during the Kraken’s season-opener against the St. Louis Blues in Seattl.

The historic moment was not lost on Campbell.

“The moment leading up to the game and stepping on the bench … I’m really going to try to honor what it is, because I know, and I definitely understand that the magnitude and the importance of this moment is really important for our game,” Campbell said ahead of the game..

Campbell drew up the play on the bench as Seattle tried to tie the game, but they ultimately lost to the Blues 3-2. Head coach Dan Bylsma pointed out the silver lining: “Jessica being a female coach in the NHL for the first time, it’s great for her and it’s great for the game.”

Campbell described Tuesday as “a normal day in terms of my work,” but noted the significance of her new role.

“For me, it’s just a normal day in terms of my work, in terms of my routine, in terms of all of those pieces,” Campbell said. “I never want to diminish the things that I’m doing because I’m so focused on the task at hand, but I also know that being focused on the task at hand has allowed me to get to this moment and is going to continue. So, I have to stay focused on what matters most, which is the guys and the team and the success that we want to have.”