The shift in women's pro hockey becomes clear when you look at Jessica Campbell

"For decades, the roads to the highest levels of hockey were only available to men. It wasn't until the 1990s that women competed in world championships or at the Olympics, but their events often received less viewership or interest than the men's events. Fast forward to August 2023. The Professional Women's Hockey League was introduced, creating the biggest stage for the highest level of women's hockey in North America. That being said, 2023 was far from long ago."

"Campbell transitioned into coaching and skills development, coaching and learning with players in North America, and exploring opportunities abroad. During the 2021-22 season, she served as an assistant coach and skills coach for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the top men's professional league in Germany. Her work eventually led to an assistant coach role for Team Germany at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship. The first woman ever behind the bench at a tournament."

For decades, top-level hockey opportunities were largely limited to men. Women began competing in world championships and the Olympics in the 1990s but often received less viewership than men's events. The Professional Women's Hockey League launched in August 2023 to provide a major stage for the highest level of women's hockey in North America. Men traditionally held most coaching and managerial roles behind the bench until June 2024. Saskatchewan native Jessica Campbell played at Cornell and professionally with the Calgary Inferno, then transitioned into coaching, worked in Germany's top men's league, and became the first woman behind the bench at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship. She later joined the Coachella Valley Firebirds for their inaugural season.

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