Having joined the Kraken in July 2024, Campbell has been a trailblazer in a league traditionally dominated by men. Her tenure included two seasons as an assistant coach for the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she helped lead the team to the Calder Cup Final both years.

During her time with the Kraken, Campbell faced challenges. The team missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and qualified only once since their debut in 2021-22. Their record during the 2024-25 season stood at 35-41-6 — far from what fans expected.

Yet Campbell’s contributions extended beyond wins and losses. She played for Canada’s national women’s hockey team at the 2015 World Championship and was instrumental in helping the Calgary Inferno secure a Clarkson Cup victory in 2016. At just 33 years old, her extensive resume positions her as a strong candidate for future roles across various NHL teams.

Key facts:

• Campbell has been part of the Kraken coaching staff for four years.
• She is expected to generate interest from other NHL teams following her departure.
• General Manager Jason Botterill expressed support for her decision to explore new roles.

Botterill stated, “As Jessica’s current contract expires, she has expressed her desire to explore other coaching roles across the League and we support her in this process.” This statement reflects a growing recognition of female coaches in sports — a trend that could reshape future coaching dynamics within the NHL.

The potential for Campbell’s return to Seattle remains open. Emily Kaplan noted, “It doesn’t appear Seattle has closed the door to bringing Campbell back next season.” With her unique ability to connect with players and deep knowledge of the game, many anticipate that she will leave a lasting impact wherever she lands next.

The post Jessica Campbell: A New Chapter in NHL Coaching appeared first on News Canada.

“At the end of the day, I’m in an industry that’s about playing hockey. That’s a pretty good gig. And I’ve had it my whole life,” said Carla MacLeod, reflecting on her career as she takes an indefinite leave from her coaching position with the Ottawa Charge to focus on her health.

MacLeod, who was diagnosed with breast cancer just a week into the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season in late November, has shown remarkable resilience. Despite her diagnosis, she has only missed one game while undergoing treatment, scheduling her radiation sessions to avoid conflicts with her coaching duties.

The Ottawa Charge, currently holding a record of 13-11-1 and sitting fifth in the league standings, will now be led by interim head coach Haley Irwin during MacLeod’s absence. Irwin expressed the team’s understanding of the situation, stating, “I think, unfortunately, but fortunately maybe, it’s not new to us that Carla has had to step away. So we’ve been through it before as a group, and we know that we just continue to do what we do.”

The organization has expressed full support for MacLeod, requesting privacy for her family as she navigates this challenging period. “She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery,” the Ottawa Charge stated.

MacLeod, 43, from Spruce Grove, Alberta, has a rich history in women’s hockey. She previously coached the Czechia national women’s hockey team during the Milan Cortina Olympics, where they finished third in Pool A play. Additionally, she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist as a defender on Canada’s national team.

As the Charge continue their season with five games left, the team will undoubtedly feel the impact of MacLeod’s absence. However, her determination to coach despite her health challenges has inspired both her players and the broader hockey community.

With the support of her team and the hockey world, MacLeod’s journey through treatment will be closely followed. The next steps in her recovery and coaching career remain to be seen, but her legacy in the sport is firmly established.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for MacLeod’s return, but her health and recovery remain the priority for both her and the Ottawa Charge.

The post Cancer: Carla MacLeod Steps Away from Coaching to Focus on Treatment appeared first on News Canada.

The current PWHL standings raise the question: How are the Boston Fleet and Montréal Victoire performing as they approach the end of the season? As of March 15, 2026, the answer is that the Boston Fleet holds a narrow lead over the Montréal Victoire, with both teams demonstrating competitive strengths that could influence their playoff prospects.

The Boston Fleet currently sits in 1st place with a record of 9 wins, 4 losses, 2 overtime losses, and 3 shootout losses, accumulating a total of 37 points. In contrast, the Montréal Victoire is in 2nd place, boasting a record of 9 wins, 4 losses, 0 overtime losses, and 5 shootout losses, which has earned them 35 points. This close point differential highlights the intensity of their rivalry and the stakes involved as they prepare to face each other.

Key players have emerged for both teams, contributing significantly to their standings. For the Boston Fleet, Alina Müller leads the scoring with 3 goals and 10 assists over 18 games. Meanwhile, Montréal’s Marie-Philip Poulin has been a standout performer as well, netting 8 goals and providing 8 assists in 17 games. Their performances will be crucial as both teams look to secure their positions in the playoffs.

The historical context of the rivalry between Boston and Montréal adds an extra layer of intrigue to their matchups. The Fleet leads the 2025-26 season series against the Victoire with a 3-0 advantage in points. However, the Victoire has been formidable at home, winning all seven of their games at Place Bell this season, which could play a pivotal role in their upcoming encounter.

Defensively, Ann-Renée Desbiens of the Montréal Victoire stands out with a league-leading goals-against average of 1.06, showcasing her ability to keep opponents at bay. On the other hand, the Fleet has shown an aggressive offensive strategy, scoring the game’s first goal a league-high 15 times, indicating their ability to set the pace early in matches.

Recent performances have seen both teams in varying forms. The Boston Fleet’s last outing resulted in a narrow 3-2 loss against Seattle on March 11, while the Montréal Victoire secured a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory against Toronto on March 3. This momentum could be crucial as they prepare to clash once again.

As the season progresses, the anticipation builds around their next matchup. Jill Saulnier, a forward for the Fleet, expressed excitement about playing in Montréal, emphasizing the electric atmosphere expected at Place Bell. Similarly, Victoire Head Coach Kori Cheverie acknowledged the competitive nature of the upcoming game, noting that both teams are closely matched in the standings.

With the playoffs approaching, the outcomes of their remaining games will be critical. Both teams are vying for not just points but also momentum heading into the postseason. The question remains: Can the Boston Fleet maintain their lead, or will the Montréal Victoire capitalize on their home advantage to overtake them? Details remain unconfirmed as the season unfolds.

The post PWHL Standings: Boston Fleet and Montréal Victoire in Close Competition appeared first on News Canada.