Earlier last month Jessica Campbell, the NHL’s first full-time assistant coach took the bench to coach the Seattle Kraken’s in their game against the St. Louis Blues. Campbell was a former hockey player in the NHL and played four seasons at Cornell University from 2010-2014. She later played three seasons with the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL. She has won many world championships throughout her career. Before working for the Kraken she had worked other coaching positions, like coaching for the Germany Ice Hockey league, as well as training NHL players. 

When Campbell got hired by the Kraken she became the first woman behind the bench as a full time coach in AHL history. While other sports like the NFL and NBA have had women coaches for years, the NHL has had slower progression in that area. This accomplishment was a huge step for the NHL and will create opportunities for more women to have lead roles on NHL teams. 

During Campbells debut she was the first of the assistant coaches to be introduced and received a loud eruption from the crowd, almost louder than the applause for head coach Dan Blysma. Campbell has also been interviewed a multitude of times, and it is extremely uncommon for assistant coaches to get that spotlight. Through her new position, Campbell is paving the way for more women to start getting involved in coaching positions, becoming an inspiration in the world of Hockey.