Seattle Kraken could appoint Jessica Campbell as the first female NHL coach
The Seattle Kraken are reportedly considering Coachella Valley assistant coach Jessica Campbell for an NHL coaching job, which would break down a huge barrier in the sport.
Per newly named Seattle Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma, Campbell has a legitimate shot to be named to his coaching staff, based purely on how she was able to help with the overall development of multiple prospects with Coachella Valley.
Kraken GM Ron Francis was quick to point out that Campbell was anything but a diversity hire. Francis told reporters this week that Campbell is a legitimate candidate based on her body of work and the fact that she's a quality coach.
If named to Bylsma's coaching staff in Seattle, Campbell will have broken down a longstanding barrier, opening the door for more females to pursue prominent NHL jobs in the future.
Jessica Campbell has an extensive background in hockey, which has given her the necessary qualifications to pursue such job opportunities as her current position in the American Hockey League.
Campbell has represented Canada on a number of occasions, taking home some important hardware including, including a gold medal in the women's U18 world championship in 2010 and a silver medal at the 2015 women's world championship. She also won a Clarkson Cup with the CWHL's Calgary Inferno in 2016.
Following her playing career, Campbell became a powerskating coach, working with the likes of Luke Schenn, Shea Weber, Andrew Ladd, Brent Seabrook and as many as 16 other NHLers.
Source: CBC Sports - Canada's Jessica Campbell 1st female assistant coach in AHL, hired by Coachella Valley
| POLL | ||
1 JUIN | 306 ANSWERS Seattle Kraken could appoint Jessica Campbell as the first female NHL coach Will the Kraken hire Jessica Campbell as a full-time assistant coach in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 222 | 72.5 % |
| No | 84 | 27.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
