Controversy Emerges Regarding NHL's Alleged First Female Coach
On Monday, the Seattle Kraken made headlines by inviting Jessica Campbell, assistant coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, to be on their bench for a preseason game against the Calgary Flames. The news quickly spread on social media, with many dubbing Campbell as the «first female coach» in the NHL.
Coach Campbell's Career
Campbell's achievements are commendable. Currently in her second season with Coachella Valley, she joined the team in July 2022, becoming the first female assistant coach in the AHL under Dan Bylsma. In their debut season, with Campbell's contribution, the Firebirds reached the Calder Cup Finals, though they were narrowly defeated by the Hershey Bears in Game Seven's overtime. Campbell's groundbreaking contributions aren't limited to the AHL; she made history as the first woman to serve as an assistant coach for Team Germany at the Men's World Championships in 2022.
However, the title of "first female NHL coach" is contested. Just days before Campbell's debut with the Kraken, Kori Cheverie was on the bench with the Pittsburgh Penguins, serving as a guest instructor during their development and training camps. Cheverie will further her coaching journey as the head coach for the PWHL Montreal team.
More Women Behind The Bench
Several other women have already made their mark in the NHL. Barbara Williams was a Power Skating Coach for the New York Islanders in 1977. Aisha Visram and Jodi van Rees have worked as trainers for the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens, respectively. Additionally, the Boston Bruins recently hired Danielle Marmer in a dual role as Player Development and Scouting Assistant. These trailblazers exemplify the increasing presence and influence of women in professional hockey.
As Read On Hockey Feed - Conflicting reports on NHL's «first female coach»
| POLL | ||
How Far Will the Kraken Go This Year? | ||
| Miss Playoffs | 91 | 28.3 % |
| First Round Exit | 153 | 47.5 % |
| Conference Final | 66 | 20.5 % |
| Stanley Cup Champions | 12 | 3.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
