Jessica Campbell becomes first female AHL assistant coach

The Firebirds are the AHL’s newest franchise and will begin play in the 2022–23 season as the minor-league affiliate for the Seattle Kraken. Bylsma, who won the Stanley Cup in 2009 as interim head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, was named head coach of the Firebirds in June.

“I’m very excited, it feels like it’s going to be a really good fit,” Campbell told NHL.com’s Bob Condor on Tuesday. “I am thrilled to join the Kraken organization. Everybody’s been so fantastic through the process.”

During her playing career, Campbell won the 2016 Clarkson Cup as a forward with the CWHL’s Calgary Inferno. She spent four seasons at Cornell University and captained Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF U-18 Women’s World Championship, scoring seven goals and 15 points in five games.

Campbell hails from Moosomin, Saskatchewan. The Firebirds announced her hiring on a landmark day for diversity and inclusion in hockey, during which the Toronto Maple Leafs named Hayley Wickenheiser an assistant GM, the Arizona Coyotes announced two new additions to their diverse coaching internship program, and the San Jose Sharks officially made Mike Grier the first Black GM in NHL history.

“I’m very excited about the AHL team and the development process,” Campbell said. “I plan to get on the ice early and stay late after practices to help build skating and skills and, most importantly, help our players feel more confident.”