Jessica Campbell made an historic debut for the Seattle Kraken against the St. Louis Blues.

The 32-year-old is the first female assistant coach ever in the NHL, and one of few across American sports.

Campbell soaks in the atmosphere

Campbell began her career as a player and represented Canada at the 2015 World Championships, winning silver.

She began coaching in 2017 in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, before continuing her education in Sweden and Germany.

In 2022, Campbell became the assistant coach of the Kraken’s minor-league affiliate the Coachella Valley Firebirds under Dan Bylsma. 

She was also the first female coach in the American Hockey League and helped in two runs to the Calder Cup Finals.

Bylsma, who moved to the Kraken in the offseason, saw enough to bring Campbell with him to the NHL, revealing that her presence had improved him as a head coach.

“Two years ago, she was a young coach. She had to grow and improve as a coach and I think our relationship has been that,” Bylsma told NHL.com.

“I probably challenged her a few times to do things differently or think about things differently.

“But at the same time, she’s also, knowingly or not, challenged me as a coach to make sure I’m the coach I want to be.

“So, getting the opportunity in the NHL is because I believe in the skill and the attributes she brings to the individual players and that she can give them to them and help them become better in their own spot, in their own personal way and the team way.”

Seattle led 2-0 lead in the second period but St. Louis scored three quick goals to go ahead and held on for a 3-2 victory.

She is aware of her status as a role model

The Kraken gave up a two-goal lead

Ahead of the season, Campbell was aware of her place in history.

“The year ahead is going to be a lot of fun,” she told NHL.com.

“But to know and to understand that obviously there’s still at the forefront the thoughts of other women and other people who have the same aspirations as I do.

“So, to carry that torch every day and keep my focus on being a coach, but it definitely puts meaning into the work.”

But during the game, it was business as usual.

“Much like riding a bike,” Campbell told ESPN after the first period.

“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.”

The Kraken face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon earned her Spurs in the NBA as an assistant coach with San Antonio before heading to the WNBA.

She won back-to-back titles, but her three-peat hopes were ended by the New York Liberty.