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The first 2024-25 appearance by Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz on the ice and assistant coach Jessica Campbell behind the bench will come this Friday, Aug. 23. One catch: to see it, you’ll have to travel to Kelowna, BC, 4 1/2 hours northeast of Vancouver.
Schwartz and Campbell are among NHLers slated to participate in the exhibition game that’s part of the 1st annual “Kelowna Hockey Fest.”
Campbell told Kelowna Capital News, “It not only showcases great talent on the ice, but more importantly, an exciting opportunity for the whole community together for a great cause.” Donations from the event will benefit low-income and at-risk youth with free or subsidized membership and access to the Y’s Child and Youth Development programs.
Campbell is already well known in BC’s Okanagan Valley. She coached at two different hockey academies in the region. Prior to that, at age 17, she played one season of academy hockey there (and scored 104 points in 41 games!). “I’ve personally had the opportunity to watch her work her way up to make history,” notes Fest organizer Mark Fitzgerald, who has worked with the NHL’s Maple Leafs and Ducks. “Her dedication to the sport is an inspiration. We’re so excited to have her on the bench, behind some NHL star power for this event.”
This got us wondering how Campbell got on the radar of the Kraken organization to begin with. That and other lesser-known parts of the coach’s backstory are the subjects of this Kraken Reaction.