Former DEB Coach Makes History in the NHL
Jessica Campbell, the first female coach in the North American professional league NHL, is once again making ice hockey history. The 31-year-old, who served as assistant to then-national coach Toni Söderholm at the 2022 World Cup, is now backing new head coach Dan Bylsma on the Seattle Kraken’s bench. The franchise announced this milestone on Wednesday.
The Canadian has been Bylsma’s assistant coach for the past two seasons with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. With her promotion, Campbell now steps into the NHL. The former national player also made history during the 2021/22 season as the first female coach in Germany’s Ice Hockey League (DEL), when head coach Tom Rowe brought her to the Nürnberg Ice Tigers.
“During our time in Coachella Valley, I experienced Jessica’s commitment to player development firsthand,” said Bylsma. “I look forward to continuing to work with her.” Campbell reached a milestone two years ago when she became the first female assistant coach at the World Cup, held in Söderholm’s native Finland. The tournament included Philipp Grubauer, who was part of the German team and, like now, the Seattle Kraken’s goaltender. This reunion marks a significant moment in hockey history.
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