What Happened to Jessica Eve Campbell?
Jessica Campbell is a pioneering Canadian ice hockey coach and former player, notably becoming the first female full-time assistant coach in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Seattle Kraken in 2024. After her contract with the Kraken expired, she announced on April 30, 2026, that she is exploring new coaching opportunities within the NHL.
Quick Answer
Jessica Campbell is a groundbreaking figure in professional ice hockey, currently exploring new coaching opportunities in the NHL as of April 30, 2026. She made history in July 2024 by becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in the NHL with the Seattle Kraken, following two seasons as an assistant coach for their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Her career also includes playing for the Canadian women's national team and coaching in Germany.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan
Jessica Eve Campbell was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Collegiate Hockey at Cornell University
Campbell played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Cornell University, serving as team captain in her senior year.
Debut with Canadian National Team
She made her debut playing with the Canadian women's national team at the 4 Nations Cup.
Silver Medal at IIHF Women's World Championship
Campbell won a silver medal with the Canadian women's national team at the IIHF Women's World Championship.
Clarkson Cup Champion with Calgary Inferno
She helped the Calgary Inferno win the Clarkson Cup in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL).
Retired from Playing, Launched Coaching Business
After retiring from the Canadian national team, Campbell began her coaching career and launched her own coaching business, JC Powerskating.
First Woman to Coach at Men's World Championship
Campbell served as an assistant coach for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers and the German national team at the men's world championship, becoming the first woman to hold such a coaching position.
Hired as AHL Assistant Coach (Coachella Valley Firebirds)
She was hired as assistant coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the top minor league affiliate of the NHL's Seattle Kraken, becoming the first woman in a full-time behind-the-bench coaching role in the AHL.
Hired as NHL Assistant Coach (Seattle Kraken)
Campbell was hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, making her the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench during the regular season.
NHL Coaching Debut
She made her debut as an assistant coach during the Seattle Kraken's regular season opener.
Kraken Coach Dan Bylsma Fired
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who Campbell followed from the Firebirds, was fired after one season with the NHL team.
Remained on Kraken Staff Under New Coach
When Lane Lambert was hired as the new Kraken coach, the team announced that Campbell would remain on the coaching staff.
Exploring New NHL Coaching Opportunities
The Seattle Kraken announced that Jessica Campbell will be exploring other coaching roles in the National Hockey League as her contract with the team expires.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jessica Campbell transitioned from a successful playing career, which included representing Canada internationally and playing in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL), to a groundbreaking coaching career. Her journey saw her become the first woman to coach at the men's world championship with the German national team in 2021, and then the first full-time female assistant coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in July 2022.
Her most significant milestone arrived in July 2024 when she was hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, making her the first female coach to be behind the bench in National Hockey League (NHL) history. This appointment was a culmination of her demonstrated expertise and success in player development.
Campbell's transition to coaching was driven by her deep knowledge of the game, her unique ability to connect with and develop players, and her entrepreneurial spirit, evident in her own coaching business, JC Powerskating. Her impactful two-season tenure with the Firebirds, where she helped the team reach the Calder Cup Final in both years, solidified her credentials and paved the way for her historic NHL appointment.
Her pioneering roles have significantly advanced the visibility and opportunities for women in professional hockey coaching. Her presence on NHL and international men's team benches has broken long-standing barriers and serves as an inspiration for a new generation of female athletes and coaches aspiring to leadership roles in the sport.
As of April 30, 2026, Jessica Campbell's contract with the Seattle Kraken has expired. The Kraken organization announced that she is actively exploring other coaching opportunities within the National Hockey League. The team's EVP and General Manager, Jason Botterill, expressed full support for her decision, acknowledging her valuable contributions to the coaching staff over the past four years.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jessica Eve Campbell made different choices?