40 Facts About Jessica Campbell

Early Life and Hockey Roots

Jessica Campbell's journey in hockey began at a young age, deeply influenced by her family's passion for the sport.

1. Campbell grew up in a family deeply rooted in hockey. Her mother, Monique, played hockey at the University of Saskatchewan, while her father, Gary, grew up on outdoor rinks of Canadian lore.
2. From a young age, Campbell was an avid skater. Her love for the sport was evident, even in harsh weather conditions. She would often beg her mother to drive her to the rink despite blizzards.

Rising Through the Ranks

Campbell's early career saw her making significant strides in youth and provincial hockey, setting the stage for her future success.

3. Campbell was a three-year member of Team Saskatchewan, serving as team captain twice. She represented Saskatchewan at the National Women's Under-18 Championship in 2007 and 2008.
4. In 2006, Campbell won a gold medal with the Melville Millionaires at the Saskatchewan provincials. She also led Melville in scoring during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
5. In 2007, Campbell competed in the Mac's Midget Tournament with the Melville Prairie Fire. This tournament is one of the most prestigious youth hockey events in Canada.

College Ice Hockey Career

Campbell's talent shone brightly during her college years, where she played for the Cornell Big Red women's ice hockey program.

6. Campbell played her college ice hockey career with the Cornell Big Red women's ice hockey program from the 2010-11 season through the 2013-14 season. She was a standout player, scoring a hat-trick against the Robert Morris Colonials on October 23, 2010.
7. During her time at Cornell, Campbell notched a goal in the ECAC Hockey semifinals against the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Although she missed the ECAC Hockey championship game against Dartmouth due to injury, she returned to the lineup for the NCAA Frozen Four loss to the Boston University Terriers on March 18.

International Play and Achievements

Campbell's international career is marked by significant achievements, including leading Canada to gold at the World U18 Championship.

8. Campbell first played with the Canadian women's national under-18 team on March 24, 2010, against the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) All-Stars. She scored the game's first goal but lost 3-2.
9. Campbell led Canada's national under-18 team to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF Women's U18 World Championship in Chicago. She was team captain, led all players in scoring, and scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States.
10. For her efforts at the 2010 IIHF Women's U18 World Championship, Campbell was named Most Valuable Player by the tournament directorate and selected as a top-three player for Canada by the coaches.
11. As a member of the gold medal-winning squad, Campbell was featured on a hockey card in the Upper Deck 2010 World of Sportscard series.
12. Campbell participated in the Canada Celebrates Event on June 30 in Edmonton, Alberta, which recognized the Canadian Olympic and Worlds champions from the 2009-10 ice hockey season.

Professional Career

Transitioning to professional hockey, Campbell continued to make her mark both in Canada and internationally.

13. Campbell played professionally in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) with the Calgary Inferno and in the Swedish Damettan with the Malmö Redhawks.
14. In 2015, Campbell won a silver medal with the Canadian women's national team at the IIHF Women's World Championship in Sweden.

Coaching Career

After retiring from playing, Campbell transitioned into coaching, where she has broken new ground and inspired many.

15. After retiring from the Canadian national team in 2017, Campbell began her coaching career. She started by coaching high school girls in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
16. Campbell owned JC Powerskating, a skating program that included clients like Tyson Jost, Stanley Cup champion Joel Edmundson, and Olympic gold medallist Natalie Spooner.
17. In July 2022, Campbell was hired as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the top minor league affiliate of the NHL's Seattle Kraken. She became the first woman to be employed on a full-time basis as a behind-the-bench coach in the AHL.
18. On July 3, 2024, Campbell was hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, making her the first female coach to be behind the bench in NHL history.
19. Campbell made her debut as an assistant coach during the Seattle Kraken's regular season opener on October 8, 2024.
20. Campbell works alongside head coach Dan Bylsma and assistant coach Bob Woods, supporting the team's efforts to build on past successes.
21. During her time with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Campbell helped the team reach the Calder Cup Final in consecutive seasons.
22. Campbell's expertise in skill development has positioned her as a valuable asset to the Seattle Kraken. Her coaching experience includes roles with women's prep school programs in British Columbia and coaching positions in Sweden and Germany.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Campbell's role in the NHL is part of a broader effort to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport.

23. The Seattle Kraken's commitment to diversity is further exemplified by Campbell's appointment. This move aligns with the organization's previous efforts to promote inclusivity within its staff, including the hiring of female pro scout Angela James in 2019 and the advancement of Alexandra Mandrycky to assistant GM in 2022.

Personal Life and Community Engagement

Beyond the rink, Campbell has been involved in various initiatives and has a vibrant personal life.

24. Campbell participated in the sixth season of Battle of the Blades, a Canadian reality show where ice hockey players are teamed up with figure skaters to perform pair routines for charity. She was paired with ice dancer Asher Hill and the team skated for the mental health advocacy organization Do It For Daron.
25. In 2023, Campbell was announced as a brand ambassador for Can-i Wellness oral spray supplements.
26. Campbell's high energy and love for people have been evident throughout her career. Her mother, Monique, noted that Jessica was always high-spirited and never missed anything, forming close bonds with teammates on road trips and at tournaments.
27. Skating has always been a passion for Campbell. She was known for her exceptional skating skills, often being the best skater on her team during drills and competitions.
28. From a young age, Campbell's goals were clear: to reach the highest level of hockey. She aimed to make the Canadian national team and leverage her skating skills to achieve this goal.
29. Campbell was named to the Canadian national team in 2014, exactly 12 years after Josh's death. This moment was significant for her, as she had been cut three times in the final round of tryouts before being selected.
30. In 2014, Campbell signed with the Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women's Hockey League, playing with them for three seasons. This marked a significant transition from collegiate to professional play.

Transition to Coaching

As her playing career wound down, Campbell found new ways to contribute to the sport she loves.

31. As her playing career began winding down, Campbell transitioned into coaching. She started by coaching high school girls in British Columbia before moving to Sweden and Germany for additional coaching experience.
32. Campbell's JC Powerskating program quickly gained popularity, attracting NHL players like Luke Schenn who won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020. The program eventually grew to include 20 players, showcasing Campbell's ability to manage and develop high-level athletes.

Artistic Background

Interestingly, there is another notable figure named Jessica Campbell who is an artist and author, adding a unique twist to the name.

33. There is another notable figure named Jessica Campbell who is an artist and author working in comics, fibers, painting, drawing, and performance. This Jessica Campbell explores heterogeneity through a combination of disparate media and subjects, often using humor to address darker themes.
34. In 2023, Jessica Campbell (the artist) collaborated with The Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia for her exhibition Heterodoxy. The exhibition highlighted marginalized groups neglected from the art canon, reflecting her interest in historical research and interdisciplinary art.
35. Jessica Campbell (the artist) has a deep interest in historical research, particularly focusing on women's history and marginalized groups. Her work often addresses the suppression of women's work and aims to rectify this through her art.
36. Campbell's artistic approach is interdisciplinary, combining elements of comics, fibers, painting, drawing, and performance. This interdisciplinarity allows her to communicate the heterogeneity of human experience through her art.
37. Humor is a significant theme in Campbell's artwork, serving as a lens through which she views the world. It helps make trauma bearable and adds a lighter touch to her often darker subject matter.
38. Campbell values craft historically devalued and often functional. She sees it as anti-hegemonic, challenging dominant narratives in the art world.

Legacy in Hockey

Jessica Eve Campbell's contributions to hockey are profound, paving the way for future generations.

39. For Jessica Eve Campbell, her legacy in hockey is one of trailblazing. She has broken barriers as a player and coach, paving the way for future generations of female athletes in the sport.
40. Her commitment to skill development and her success in various coaching roles have made her a valuable asset to the Seattle Kraken and the NHL as a whole.

Jessica Campbell's Lasting Impact

Jessica Campbell's journey in ice hockey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days skating through blizzards to becoming the first full-time female coach in the AHL and NHL, she's shattered countless barriers. Her dedication to skill development, evident through her JC Powerskating program, has helped many athletes reach new heights. Campbell's role with the Seattle Kraken underscores her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. Beyond the rink, her participation in community initiatives and reality shows like Battle of the Blades highlights her multifaceted personality. Whether leading Team Canada to gold or coaching the next generation, Campbell's legacy is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking new ground. Her story continues to inspire young athletes, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.