Kraken Coach Jessica Campbell Set to Make History in Season Opener

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Graham Montgomery
October 8, 2024 (5:41 PM)

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Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell made history today as she became the first woman to serve as a coach for a regular-season NHL game.

The Kraken are kicking their season off this afternoon as they host the St. Louis Blues in Seattle. The game is historic as the Kraken have become the first team in the league to employ a female coach. The Kraken hired Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach this summer after spending two years with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL, where she was also the first female coach in league history.

Campbell had a successful career as a player for team Canada where she helped secure several medals including two golds, one at the 2010 under 18s championship and again at the 2014 four nations tournament. After she retired from playing she started her own coaching academy where she helped train top players including NHLers Tyson Jost, and Joel Edmundson.

The Kraken were clearly impressed with her resume as they brought her into the organization and quickly promoted her to the show. This is truly a huge moment for the league and an equally big one for women and girls who love the sport, showing that it is possible to have a career in the NHL as a woman.

This is not the only historic moment for the Kraken today. At the same time, Jordan Eberle is making his debut as the second captain in team history as he takes over from Mark Giordano, who served as captain in their inaugural season. The team went without a captain last season as Giordano signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This is just the beginning of another exciting season of NHL hockey, but not everyone around the league is quite ready for it to start. The Florida Panthers home opener later today could be in jeopardy as hurricane Milton is barreling towards the state as one of the strongest storms ever recorded. At this point, it appears as though the game will continue as planed, but fans should be encouraged to stay safe and do what is best for them, even if it means missing the home opener this year. There will still be 40 more home games for Panthers fans to enjoy as the team looks to secure another Stanley Cup. So from Seattle to Florida, it is time for another season of NHL hockey.