The 32-year-old took her place in the box as an assistant coach when her Seattle met St Louis – and was met with loud cheers from the audience when her name was presented.
Campbell played for Malmö in the 2019–2020 ice hockey season in Division 1. She has worked as an assistant coach in the AHL team Coachella Valley Firebirds for the past two seasons.
But despite the symbolic significance, Wednesday night's match was just a regular day at work for Jessica Campbell.
I don't want to downplay what I do because I'm so focused on the task, but I know it's my focus on the task that has taken me this far, she said to nhl.com the day before the match.
At the same time, she added that it "gives her fuel" to know that she is part of something bigger.
The young children who are at their first hockey match tomorrow will know that there can be a female coach on the bench, it's really special for me, she said.
Seattle lost the match against St Louis with 3–2.
