The NHL made sports history on Wednesday. The Seattle Kraken hired the first woman in league history to join a coaching staff. Jessica Campbell will be an assistant on the Kraken bench, marking the first time a woman has ever been on an NHL coaching staff in any capacity.
The Kraken made the news official with a post on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
“THIS JUST IN!” the Kraken exclaimed. “The Kraken have added Bob Woods and Jessica Campbell to Dan Bylsma’s staff as Assistant Coaches.”
THIS JUST IN!
The #SeaKraken have added Bob Woods and Jessica Campbell to Dan Bylsma’s staff as Assistant Coaches → https://t.co/jIqtxOOpIc pic.twitter.com/Vm8C1q5GkR
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 3, 2024
New head coach Dan Bylsma commented on the move in a release on the Kraken’s website, touting her prowess in welcoming her aboard.
Campbell first rose to prominence during the 2022 IIHF World Championships with Germany. She then eventually landed with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s affiliate. But now, she will make history when the Kraken open the 2024-25 NHL season this October against the St. Louis Blues.
Everyone went to celebrate this history-making news after it became official.
THREAD 🧵: What an exciting day for women in hockey as Jess becomes the first to work full-time behind an NHL bench. Of course, so many have made great strides building to this moment… #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/rAmX8lTMLr
— Alison (@AlisonL) July 3, 2024
🚨Historic hire!🚨
Jessica Campbell becomes the first full-time female Assistant Coach in #NHL history as she joins Dan Bylsma’s @SeattleKraken coaching staff.
👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Mo1F76w0yD
— NHL Coaches’ Association (@NHLCoachesAssoc) July 3, 2024
Jessica Campbell has officially been named an assistant coach of the Seattle Kraken. Campbell is the first female coach in NHL history.
Congratulations @boof_campbell! #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/lX0tCNMYPt
— Kraken Canada (@KrakenCanada) July 3, 2024
The Seattle Kraken made history on Wednesday by hiring Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach!
“Campbell becomes the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench during the regular season,”
MORE: https://t.co/KBtCJ4Df2B pic.twitter.com/JUP5I4xpWo
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 3, 2024
Today is a historic day.
The @SeattleKraken hired Jessica Campbell as assistant coach after she spent the past two years with the AHL’s @Firebirds helping the club reach the Calder Cup Finals in consecutive seasons. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/SQQ1OTa6YG
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 3, 2024
