Jessica Campbell makes history as first female NHL assistant coach

Jessica Campbell says she recognises the “magnitude and importance” of becoming the first female full-time assistant coach in NHL history.

The 32-year-old was hired by the Seattle Kraken in July, and on Tuesday night stood behind the roster on the bench for their season opener against the St Louis Blues.

“I definitely understand that the magnitude and the importance of this moment is really important for our game,” she said.

“It fuels me every day just knowing that I’m a part of something way bigger than myself.”

Before joining the Kraken, Campbell had made history in the American Hockey League (AHL) as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

She helped the team reach the Calder Cup Finals in both her seasons there.

The Seattle Kraken are coached by former Stanley Cup champion Dan Bylsma, who brought Campbell in after he was appointed in May.

Although the Kraken lost Tuesday’s game 3-2, Bylsma acknowledged the impact of Campbell in the NHL as a whole.

“Jessica being a female coach in the NHL for the first time, it’s great for her and it’s great for the game,” he said.

Campbell added: “Hopefully somebody else will have a door held open for them versus them having to push it open and find ways to unlock it.

“I look at the other women around me and other people in the industry doing their piece and doing a fantastic job of it. And it’s part of a movement. It’s part of, I think, really important change.”