Historic First: Female Coaches Face Off in NHL Game
The Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken are making history Thursday when assistant coach Jessica Campbell of the Kraken and Capitals video coach Emily Engel-Natzke square off.This marks the first time in NHL history two female coaches will oppose each other in a game.
Breaking Barriers in Hockeyreaching
Both coaches have already achieved groundbreaking milestones in their careers.Engel-Natzke became the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NHL in 2022 when the Capitals appointed her as video coach. This season, Campbell broke new ground as the first woman to coach from behind an NHL bench, joining the Kraken as an assistant coach.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery highlighted the significance of both coaches’ accomplishments, emphasizing their contributions to a traditionally male-dominated sport.”It’s phenomenal what they’ve accomplished — Em being the first coach at this level, and then Jessica being the first on-bench coach,” Carbery said. “It’s great, not only paving the way for future women but showing their skill set and how they can perform at the highest level in the world.”
Making an impact Both On and Off the Ice
Engel-natzke has become a key member of the Capitals’ video team, recognized for her expertise and insights. Earlier this month, Carbery credited her and assistant coach Brett Leonhardt with suggesting a game-changing offside challenge during a game against the New York Rangers.
Campbell, a former player for the Calgary Inferno of the now-defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League, uses her platform to promote women’s hockey.She has interacted with fans, signed jerseys, and even exchanged friendship bracelets with a young fan. Campbell also supports the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which is in its second season. She recently announced the Boston Fleet’s starting lineup at a PWHL game held at the Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena.
Familiar Faces on the Ice
Several Capitals players are already familiar with Campbell’s coaching style. Before joining the Kraken, she served as an assistant coach for the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds from 2022 to 2024. During her time there, she coached against Hershey Bears rosters that included current Capitals players Aliaksei Protas, connor McMichael, Ethen Frank, and dylan mcilrath.
Who are the two female coaches making history in the NHL game between the Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken?
Historic First: Female Coaches Face Off in NHL Game
The Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken are making history Thursday when assistant coach Jessica Campbell of the Kraken and Capitals video coach Emily Engel-natzke square off.This marks the first time in NHL history two female coaches will oppose each other in a game.
Breaking Barriers in Hockeyreaching
Both coaches have already achieved groundbreaking milestones in their careers.Engel-Natzke became the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NHL in 2022 when the Capitals appointed her as video coach. This season, Campbell broke new ground as the first woman to coach from behind an NHL bench, joining the Kraken as an assistant coach.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery highlighted the significance of both coaches’ accomplishments, emphasizing their contributions to a traditionally male-dominated sport.”It’s phenomenal what they’ve accomplished — Em being the first coach at this level, and then Jessica being the first on-bench coach,” Carbery said. “It’s great, not only paving the way for future women but showing their skill set and how they can perform at the highest level in the world.”
Making an impact Both On and Off the Ice
Engel-natzke has become a key member of the Capitals’ video team, recognized for her expertise and insights. Earlier this month, Carbery credited her and assistant coach Brett Leonhardt with suggesting a game-changing offside challenge during a game against the New York Rangers.
Campbell, a former player for the Calgary Inferno of the now-defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League, uses her platform to promote women’s hockey.She has interacted with fans, signed jerseys, and even exchanged friendship bracelets with a young fan. Campbell also supports the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which is in its second season. She recently announced the Boston Fleet’s starting lineup at a PWHL game held at the Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena.
Familiar Faces on the Ice
Several Capitals players are already familiar with Campbell’s coaching style.before joining the Kraken, she served as an assistant coach for the AHL’s coachella Valley Firebirds from 2022 to 2024. During her time there,she coached against Hershey Bears rosters that included current Capitals players Aliaksei protas,connor McMichael,Ethen Frank,and dylan mcilrath.
Q&A
Q: What makes this NHL game so historic?
A: For the first time ever, two female coaches will be on opposing benches during an NHL game. Jessica Campbell for the Seattle Kraken and Emily Engel-Natzke for the Washington Capitals.
Q: What are some of the coaching accomplishments already achieved by Campbell and Engel-Natzke?
A: Engel-Natzke became the NHL’s first full-time female coach in 2022, while Campbell made history as the first woman to coach from behind an NHL bench this season.
Q: How are Campbell and Engel-Natzke making an impact beyond coaching?
A: Both are vocal advocates for growing women’s hockey.Campbell even announced the starting lineup for a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game, while Engel-Natzke’s video analysis played a key role in a Capitals’ game-changing offside challenge.
Witnessing this historic game is a chance to celebrate these trailblazers and the progress being made for women in hockey.
