In Jessica Campbell's story, her 10-year-old self is ever-present. Campbell, the first woman to coach full-time in the AHL and one of the first to coach an NHL game, spent her early years in rural Canada surrounded by hockey.
«Even in blizzards, she'd beg to skate,» recalls her mom, Monique. Growing up, Monique played hockey at the University of Saskatchewan, and Jessica's father, Gary, grew up on outdoor rinks. The Campbell children inherited this passion, with her older brother, Josh, having big-league aspirations before a tragic accident took his life when Jessica was 10.
Jessica found solace in hockey. "It only made us stronger," she says. The community supported them, turning the rink into a place of healing.
Even before Josh's death, Jessica was making a name for herself on the ice. Her skating skills set her apart, leading her to a silver medal at the world under-18 championship and gold the following year. She played at Cornell and eventually made the Canadian national team on the anniversary of Josh's death.
After playing for the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL, her path was clear to those who knew her: coaching. Her high energy and love for team dynamics made it a natural fit, blending her passion for hockey and community.
