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Jessica Campbell is the First Woman on an NHL Bench |
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The Seattle Kraken made history today with the announcement of Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach under Dan Bylsma and the Seattle Kraken. Campbell spent the past two seasons with the Coachella Valley Firebirds AHL team working with Bylsma. When Bylsma was brought in as head coach many were wondering if he would bring his assistant coach with him.
That is exactly what happened as Jessica Campbell becomes the first female assistant coach to work in the NHL which is a huge step in the right direction for the league. The NHL is one of the few national leagues that has yet to employ a female coach in some capacity and Jessica Campbell is certainly a worthy individual of the role.
Campbell certainly has the credentials to work in the NHL, a long time player in the Canadian Women's Hockey League and a pivotal role on the Canada women's national team, Campbell has played the game at high levels.
In addition to her long playing career, Campbell started coaching with Coachella as a skating coach before being elevated two years ago as an assistant. She also worked as an assistant coach for team Germany in the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
Dan Bylsma specifically credited Campbell with her work with prospects like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright and Rkyer Evans, three players that are expected to be core members of this team moving into the future. The Kraken are looking to take that next step forward in terms of their player development so having a coach like Campbell with the NHL team makes complete sense.
It seems Ron Francis and by extension head coach Bylsma is putting the onus on the young core to take the next step forward and lead this team back into the playoffs. Veteran additions like Stephenson and Montour will be there to help but at the end of the day if this team makes the playoffs this season it will be off their young talent.
I look forward to seeing what Campbell can bring to this club.
Seattle Kraken Blogger • 
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