Rocanville, Sask., celebrates hometown hockey hero Jessica Campbell, 1st woman to coach from an NHL bench

Jessica Campbell’s hometown of Rocanville, Saskatchewan, is buzzing with excitement as they celebrate her groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to secure an assistant coaching position in the NHL. While the town is hosting a watch party in her honor as her Seattle Kraken team faces off against the Edmonton Oilers, Campbell humbly credits the local volunteers for her success.

Rocanville, a small community with just under 900 residents located east of Regina, is proudly recognizing Campbell’s roots by erecting a billboard along Highway 8 that pays tribute to her time playing on the town’s hockey teams. Many of the dedicated volunteers who coached and organized tournaments during Campbell’s formative years in hockey are still actively involved in the local hockey scene, showcasing the tight-knit and supportive nature of the community.

Despite the lack of a local store to purchase ice skates, Rocanville boasts a thriving minor hockey league and various youth hockey programs. Resident Kelsey Selbie, who helped organize the watch party, expressed admiration for Campbell’s trailblazing accomplishment and highlighted the importance of her role in inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.

In collaboration with hockey equipment company Bauer, Campbell has arranged a special surprise for kids in local hockey programs during the watch party. Additionally, she recorded a heartfelt video message that will be played at the event, further emphasizing her commitment to giving back to her community.

Before joining the Seattle Kraken in 2024, Campbell made history as the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in the American Hockey League. With an impressive background as a decorated player in the NCAA, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, and Canada’s women’s national team, Campbell’s coaching journey began with her own business, training junior professional hockey players.

Inspired by her family’s deep hockey roots, including her mother and sister’s collegiate hockey careers and her father and brother’s passion for the sport, Campbell has overcome personal tragedy and adversity to reach the pinnacle of her coaching career. Embracing her brother’s legacy by adopting his jersey number, Campbell reflects on the progress of women’s hockey and the opportunities now available to aspiring female athletes.

As Campbell’s hometown rallies behind her, she remains grateful for the unwavering support of the community that nurtured her love for the game. The watch party in Rocanville symbolizes not only Campbell’s historic achievement but also the enduring bond between a dedicated coach and the town that shaped her into a trailblazer in the world of professional hockey.

The Seattle Kraken’s game against the Edmonton Oilers will be a momentous occasion for Campbell and her supporters in Rocanville, underscoring the impact of her groundbreaking journey from a small town in Saskatchewan to the highest levels of the NHL.