Kraken Assistant Coach Campbell Talks Growth in Role, Paving Path for More Women

In her second season with the NHL team, Jessica Campbell reflects on the challenges and rewards of being the first woman to serve as an assistant coach behind the bench.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and silver, conveying the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.Jessica Campbell's historic role as the first woman assistant coach in the NHL represents a breakthrough for women in professional hockey.Seattle Today

Jessica Campbell, in her second season as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, discusses the growth she's experienced in her NHL role, the support she's received from the organization, and her hopes to pave the way for more women to join the coaching ranks in professional hockey.

Why it matters

Campbell's hiring as the first woman to serve as an NHL assistant coach was a historic milestone, and her continued success in the role helps open doors for other women to follow in her footsteps and gain opportunities in high-level hockey coaching positions.

The details

Campbell was promoted from the Kraken's AHL affiliate to become the first woman to serve as an NHL assistant coach prior to last season. In her second year with the team, she is relishing the challenge of helping the Kraken return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while also embracing the chance to be a role model for other aspiring female coaches.

  • Campbell was hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken prior to the 2025-26 NHL season.
  • The Kraken (32-29-11) are currently two points behind the Nashville Predators (34-31-9) for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference with a game against the Edmonton Oilers on March 31, 2026.

The players

Jessica Campbell

An assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, she is the first woman in NHL history to serve in that role behind the bench.

Seattle Kraken

The NHL team based in Seattle, Washington that Campbell joined as an assistant coach prior to the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“That's been the goal all year, is to get back into the playoff run. It's a tough League. It's hard to win, and night to night everyone can beat everyone. We've seen that, we've experienced that. We're surely in a position where we can keep fighting and pushing. But overall we're definitely excited to be in this position.”

— Jessica Campbell, Assistant Coach, Seattle Kraken

“I take a lot of pride of being in the position I get to be in. I love what I do. I love the challenge the NHL schedule presents in the group. There's never a day when I don't look across the room and see the best players in the world, masters of their craft, and getting to support them and be surrounded by them. As much as I try to support and guide and coach the players, they're lifting me up every day to be a better coach and person. It's a lot of fun.”

— Jessica Campbell, Assistant Coach, Seattle Kraken

What’s next

The Kraken will continue their push for a playoff spot, with key games remaining against divisional rivals like the Oilers and Predators.

The takeaway

Jessica Campbell's journey as the first woman to serve as an NHL assistant coach is inspiring others and helping to pave the way for more women to gain opportunities in high-level hockey coaching positions, further diversifying the sport.