Cara Morey, the esteemed coach of the women’s hockey team at Princeton University, has expressed her enthusiasm and optimism for the future of women in coaching following the groundbreaking appointment of Jessica Campbell as the first woman to be an NHL assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken. Morey, who has contributed to men’s hockey through her guest coaching role at the Philadelphia Flyers development camp, sees this as a momentous advancement for women in the sport.
She firmly believes that Campbell’s hiring has paved the way for women coaches at all levels of hockey, from collegiate to professional leagues. Morey acknowledges the proliferation of opportunities for women in hockey, drawing attention to the expansion of U.S. college hockey, Canadian college hockey, and the establishment of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She perceives Campbell’s accomplishment as an indication of the evolving coaching profession and the increasing availability of opportunities for women.
In response to her historic appointment, Campbell has expressed, “Though I am honoured to be the first, I don’t want to be the only,” articulating her desire for more women to emulate her success. Morey, who is embarking on her 14th season as the coach of the women’s hockey team at Princeton University, is regarded as someone capable of facilitating this progression. Her experience working with Flyers prospects has provided her with a unique perspective and has been well-received by her peers.
Morey’s communication style and coaching approach distinguish her from her male counterparts, and this has been embraced by the players she mentors. She has observed an escalating level of comfort and acceptance from the Flyers prospects, who now regard her as an integral part of the coaching staff. Her journey to becoming a coach took her from her days as a defenseman in the National Women’s Hockey League to coaching at one of the premier university programs in the country.
While Morey is content in her current role, she acknowledges that the coaching profession is in a constant state of evolution, and the prospect of working at the highest levels of the game is something she is beginning to contemplate. She recognises that as she matures, her perspectives and ambitions may change, and the recent developments in women’s coaching in hockey are presenting new possibilities for her and other women in the sport.
As we commemorate this momentous milestone in the NHL with the appointment of the first female assistant coach, it is apparent that women are increasingly leaving their mark in traditionally male-dominated sports. This historic event heralds a new era for women in hockey, and serves as a testament to the remarkable progress being made towards gender equality and diversity in the realm of sports.