In a historic week for the National Hockey League (NHL), two women made breakthroughs in the sport. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) coach, Kori Cheverie, took her place behind the bench for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ preseason game on Sunday, followed by AHL coach Jessica Campbell leading the Seattle Kraken on Monday. Although women have previously held positions as trainers and in other roles in the NHL, this marks the first time they have served as coaches. This milestone signifies a significant step forward for women in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Kori Cheverie, one of the six coaches in the newly established PWHL, was given the opportunity to be a guest coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins. As the head coach of the Montreal franchise, Cheverie has demonstrated her coaching prowess in the PWHL, making her a deserving candidate for this groundbreaking role. She expressed her gratitude for the Penguins’ warm welcome, particularly highlighting the experience of being at the main camp and the valuable lessons she has learned during her time with the team.
Jessica Campbell, a full-time assistant coach for Coachella Valley, the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, also made history as she stood behind the Kraken bench. Campbell’s impressive coaching achievements include guiding her team to the Calder Cup finals last season. Her journey to becoming a coach started from playing with boys in her hometown of Saskatchewan and continued with a successful collegiate career at Cornell. Playing professionally and representing the Canadian national team further fortified Campbell’s expertise in the game. Through dedication and hard work, she has successfully climbed the coaching ladder.
The presence of Cheverie and Campbell behind NHL benches is indicative of the changing landscape within the league. Historically, hockey coaching has been predominantly occupied by men. However, with the inclusion of these qualified and talented women, the NHL takes a step forward toward greater gender equality and diversity in the sport. This move is crucial not only for the advancement of women in coaching but also for inspiring the next generation of female hockey players and coaches.
Cheverie and Campbell’s accomplishments serve as inspiration for aspiring women coaches and players around the world. Their achievements demonstrate that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s passion for hockey and coaching. With their dedication, skill, and determination, they have shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for future generations of women in the NHL.
The recent presence of Kori Cheverie and Jessica Campbell behind NHL benches is a significant milestone for women in hockey. It signifies a shift toward greater gender equity and diversity within the league. These women have proven their coaching abilities and continue to inspire others to overcome barriers in pursuit of their dreams. As the NHL embraces the inclusion of more women in coaching positions, the sport becomes richer, more representative, and more reflective of the diverse talents within the hockey community.
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