Seattle, WA — The Seattle Kraken's season opener featured a game-changing moment before the puck ever dropped.
Tuesday, Jessica Campbell made history by becoming the first ever full-time female assistant coach in the NHL.
The Kraken unleashed a plethora of firsts prior to their match up against the St. Louis Blues: The team's first ever season opener at Climate Pledge Arena. The introduction of Jordan Eberle as the second captain in Kraken history. Not to mention Dan Bylsma made his debut as the team's new head coach. None of that drew the same level of adulation as Campbell standing behind an NHL bench.
During pregame intros the 32-year-old Campbell received an enormous ovation, forcing Campbell to crack a small smile. Bylsma was introduced right after Campbell. His reception wasn't nearly as loud but understanding history was being made, Bylsma did not mind in the least.
“And I don’t think it can be overlooked Jess Campbell being a female coach in the National Hockey League for the first time," Bylsma said following the game. "It’s great for her. It’s great for the game.”
Seattle isn't the only place Bylsma and Campbell have coached alongside one another. Campbell was part of his staff with the American Hockey League's Coachella Valley Firebirds. Campbell was also the first ever woman to serve as an assistant coach in the AHL. In the team's first two years of existence, the Firebirds reached the Calder Cup Final.
As a player, Campbell played professionally in Canada and Sweden. She won the under-18 Women’s World Championship in 2010 and was named MVP. Campbell took silver the season before that. She also won silver in the 2015 Women’s World Championship.
"It fuels me every day just knowing that I'm a part of something way bigger than myself and my job and coaching." - @boof_campbell
Making hockey history Tuesday did not distract Campbell from the task at hand.
“Much like riding a bike,” the coach explained during an in-game interview to ESPN. “Been at this for a while now but definitely the emotions, the excitement and the energy just the start of a new year, so feeling it all.”
Campbell's first game behind an NHL bench was undoubtedly historic but unfortunately for the Kraken it ended in defeat.
After a scoreless first period, Seattle posted two goals in the second. However, St. Louis would respond with three unanswered goals of their own during the second period. That proved to be enough as the Blues held on to defeat the Kraken 3-2.
But the significance of the Kraken's season opener is much bigger than who won or lost the game. On Tuesday, barriers were broken. Campbell's journey has paved a path for other women to realize their dreams for generations to come. Jessica's impact is changing the game, and the NHL is a better because of it.
Merit Street Media
