Seattle Kraken fans erupt as Jessica Campbell is introduced as first woman coach in the NHL

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

History was made in the first game of the 2024-25 NHL season as Jessica Campbell was introduced as an assistant coach of the Seattle Kraken. It’s the first time a woman has been a coach in the league, and fans erupted in massive applause upon her introduction.

Campbell is one of the fastest rising coaches in hockey, and a name to watch for the future. At age 32 she already has an impressive resume to her name as both a private skating coach, who then became an assistant for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate. There she worked under current Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma, who brought Campbell with him to the Kraken when he was promoted to the top job earlier this year.

A former player herself, Campbell’s role on the Kraken shatters the glass ceiling for more women to enter coaching positions in men’s pro hockey. With fans raucously supporting the move it’s an incredible way for history to be made.