NHL Coaching Pioneer &
Former Seattle Kraken Assistant Coach
Jessica Campbell is a groundbreaking professional hockey coach and former player who became the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach behind an NHL bench.
A native of Saskatchewan, Canada, Campbell played NCAA Division I hockey at Cornell University, captaining the Big Red during her senior season. She also represented Canada internationally, including captaining the Canadian team that won gold at the 2010 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, where she led the tournament in scoring and was named Most Valuable Player.
Following college, Campbell played professionally in Canada and Europe before transitioning into coaching and player development. She founded JC Powerskating and worked with elite players across North America and Europe, building a reputation for skill development and skating instruction.
Campbell continued breaking barriers as her coaching career progressed. In 2022, she joined the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in AHL history. During her two seasons with Coachella Valley, the Firebirds reached the Calder Cup Final in consecutive years.
In July 2024, Campbell was promoted to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff. When she stepped behind the bench for Seattle’s season opener in October 2024, she became the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in NHL history.
After two seasons with Seattle, Campbell’s contract concluded in 2026 as she prepared to explore other coaching opportunities across the NHL.
Campbell’s career represents far more than a series of historic firsts. Her progression from elite player to skills coach and NHL assistant gives her a compelling perspective on leadership, preparation, player development, breaking barriers, and earning opportunities at the highest levels of professional sports. She is an outstanding choice for corporate events, keynote and speaking engagements, leadership programs, hockey appearances, panels, endorsements, and other special opportunities.
