Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Janet Campbell, like many dedicated hockey parents, spent endless hours in cold arenas, shuttling kids to practices, and enthusiastically supporting every play from the sidelines. While Kristen pursued her hockey dreams, Janet was battling multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just a toddler.
Kristen expressed admiration for her mother’s resilience in facing the challenges of the disease while putting her family first. Janet’s unwavering support for Kristen’s hockey journey, despite her own health struggles, left a profound impact on Kristen, who considers her mother her best friend and ultimate role model.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is using her family’s story to raise awareness for MS through A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from every Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada to aid individuals living with MS and advance treatment research.
Kristen highlighted her mother’s experience as one of the 90,000 Canadians living with MS, emphasizing the personal significance of supporting the cause. She aims to stand in solidarity with those fighting MS, increase awareness, facilitate access to treatments, and ultimately contribute to finding a cure.
Janet’s battle with MS, a condition affecting the central nervous system, has presented various challenges, including invisible symptoms like head pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen acknowledged her mother’s resilience in leading a fulfilling life despite the condition, noting the surprising nature of her mother’s strength and the family’s fortune in not witnessing her health decline significantly.
Campbell attributes many of her own qualities, including her strong work ethic, to her mother’s influence. Her dedication and talent as a 28-year-old goaltender have propelled her to success in the hockey world. From winning gold at the 2022 Olympics to being named the top goaltender in the PWHL, Campbell’s achievements speak volumes about her commitment to the sport.
Following Vancouver’s playoff miss in May, Campbell took a break to recharge, spending quality time with family and friends before diving back into coaching and training. As she prepares for the upcoming season, Campbell emphasized the deliberate mental and physical preparation required at this stage of her career.
Looking ahead to the new season starting in November, Campbell expressed excitement about the PWHL’s growth, with the addition of new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton. Reflecting on the league’s evolution since her debut in 2024, Campbell marveled at the expansion to 12 teams and playing in NHL venues, attributing the success to the fans’ unwavering support and belief in the league.
Campbell’s journey, both on and off the ice, serves as a testament to her resilience, dedication, and the profound impact of family support in overcoming challenges.