A Milestone Moment in the NHL
The year 2025 has been a landmark year for women in hockey, with the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) gaining tremendous popularity. Last night, the National Hockey League (NHL) contributed to this momentum with an unprecedented event, celebrating the empowerment of women in the sport.
The game between the Washington Capitals and the Seattle Kraken became a historic occasion as it marked the first time two female coaches faced each other in the NHL. Washington Capitals' video coach, Emily Engel-Natzke, and Seattle Kraken's assistant coach, Jessica Campbell, both trailblazers in their own right, led their teams in this groundbreaking match-up.
Breaking the Ice Ceiling
Before this encounter, both women had already shattered significant barriers in the male-dominated world of professional hockey. Engel-Natzke made history in 2022 when she became the first full-time female coach in the NHL. She was promoted to her role as a video coordinator by the Capitals, setting a new standard for female representation in the league.
Two years later, Campbell joined the ranks as the Kraken's assistant coach. In doing so, she became the first woman to coach from behind the bench on an NHL Opening Night in 2024. Her presence on the bench symbolized a new era of inclusion and diversity in the sport.
The significance of Engel-Natzke and Campbell's first game against each other was not lost on their colleagues. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery expressed his admiration for their achievements, saying, "It’s phenomenal. It’s so impressive what they’ve accomplished in their careers. Em being the first coach at this level in the NHL and then Jessica being the first on-bench coach. It’s great. Not only paving the way for future women to be able to assume those roles, but just what they’ve been able to do in this male-dominated industry to show their skill-set and how they can perform at the highest level in the world, it’s really impressive."
LGBTQ+ Representation in Hockey
Beyond their roles as female coaches, Engel-Natzke's presence in the NHL also represents a significant step for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. Emily identifies as queer and has been open about her journey. She met her wife, Spencer, at a University of Wisconsin hockey game, and the couple married in 2019.
Engel-Natzke frequently shares moments from her life on social media, celebrating her relationship with Spencer. Their story was highlighted during the Capitals' Pride Night in 2023, where they discussed the importance of visibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals in hockey.
"There’s people in the LGBTQ community in our everyday life, whether you know it or not. We try to do our best. I try to do my best at my job. I try to be a good person. And I think with so many different backgrounds in hockey, coming from different countries and different cultures, if I can just make it kind of a norm in everyday life and at work and at the rink, I think that’s really important," Engel-Natzke remarked during the event.
The Capitals' game against the Kraken was not just about the plays on the ice; it was a celebration of diversity and inclusion, championed by Engel-Natzke and Campbell. Their leadership and visibility are paving the way for future generations of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the sport.
A Night of Historic Firsts
Adding to the narrative of inclusivity, Seattle Kraken's Justin Rogers, the first openly gay man to hold the role of head trainer in the NHL, was also part of this historic matchup. His presence further emphasized the NHL's evolving landscape.
On the ice, the Capitals triumphed over the Kraken with a 3-0 victory, thanks to 22 saves by goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Washington's Alex Ovechkin moved closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record, scoring his 875th career goal.
However, the true victory of the night was the representation and recognition of diversity within the NHL. The meeting of Engel-Natzke and Campbell symbolizes a shift towards greater inclusivity, and this game will be remembered as a beacon of progress in the world of sports.
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