“And so it was kind of like, I want to be the first female hockey player in the NHL type of thought.” The ambition of becoming an NHL coach was never on Jessica Campbell’s horizon. Yet, as the word of her high-tempo skating sessions in Kelowna spread and she made waves in her coaching stints in Sweden, Germany, and the AHL, the Seattle Kraken came calling with the assistant coach job. The fact that Campbell had made history was not lost on anybody.

“We’re going to see a woman behind the bench for the first time in the National Hockey League and it’s monumental,” said the Kraken HC Dan Bylsma. But neither Bylsma nor the Kraken did it for the sole sake of making history. The goal for them “was to get the best coach — and it happened to be Jessica Campbell.” Unfortunately, not everyone saw it that way.

What followed were hate and trolls that were consistent with how players in the PWHL have also often been treated. However, in a welcome gesture, the NHL and the NHLPA have come out in criticism of the same to mark Women’s History Month. The NHLPA posted a video on X, calling out some of the improper comments that were directed towards the history-making coach and other women making it big in hockey. “There’s still work to do. #NHLWomensHistory,” the post read, while offering support and spreading awareness.

After all, the challenge lies not only in breaking into male-dominated spaces. It extends to the relentless scrutiny and devaluation that follows. And the short but telling video highlights exactly that. Back in 2023, Campbell shared a picture of herself with the caption, “To the young girls who need to hear it…”you can and you will.” 🩵.” While she had clearly meant to inspire young women to dream big, some of the comments under the post made it clear that the sporting world is yet to be free of gender-based prejudice. Similar unfortunate reactions were on display under the reel that announced the integration of the PWHL in EA Sports’ NHL25 and another celebrating Canadian star Sarah Nurse‘s goal against Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin during an NHL all-star skills competition in 2023.

“Hockey has come a long way, but work towards a welcoming future is not done,” the message was clear in NHPL’s video. A short clip, but the post made a significant impact by speaking volumes about the barriers still standing in hockey. And the hashtag? Well, #NHLWomenHistory highlights the progress the Seattle Kraken coach and other players have made in a traditionally male-dominated sport. But acceptance still remains a battle, doesn’t it?

But the reality is straight and simple for Campbell and the rest of the women—they belong in the game and are here to prove it!

Seattle Kraken Coach leads women in hockey! 

Through every dismissive comment, Jessica Campbell continues to prove that her place behind the Kraken bench isn’t a token gesture, but a testament to her ability. “I loved also keeping up with the boys. I was always the only girl on every boys team that I played on until I was about 16 years old,” Campbell stated.

Campbell’s words reflect a broader narrative in women’s hockey, highlighting the stories of other female personalities of the game whose struggles and achievements are as legitimate and as important as their male counterparts. In fact, much like the NHL, the PWHL is also ripe with stories of setbacks and comebacks despite being in its early days.

Jesse Compher of the Toronto Sceptres found the net only once in the previous season, she has already racked up 9 goals and 8 assists this season. “My focus is on playing one game at a time and striving to get better — a better line mate, scorer, defender and ambassador.” Compher had stated back in her Wisconsin Badgers days, and she has kept her promise. Meanwhile, former Patty Kazmaier winner, Jaques‘ confidence had taken a major blow after a rough path which resulted in a trade to the Minnesota Frost from the Fleet. But that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, considering the drastic improvement in her defending and decisions with the puck.

Amidst the individual struggles and breakthroughs of women like Jaques and Compher, there’s also a hunt for a place where they earn respect for their prowess and hard work. And their resilience continues to grow, both on and off the ice, while making a lasting impact.