Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell spent numerous hours in ice-cold arenas, shuttling kids to endless practices, and enthusiastically supporting every move from the sidelines. While Kristen was battling on the ice, Janet was fighting against multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just two years old.
Kristen shared how inspiring it has been to witness her mother navigate the challenges of the disease while putting her family first. She expressed her admiration for Janet’s dedication, attending all her hockey practices, games, and tournaments despite facing her own battle. Kristen described her mom as her best friend and the ultimate role model in her life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is using her family’s story to support A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada, aiding individuals living with the disease and supporting research for treatments.
Kristen emphasized the importance of supporting the cause close to her heart, as her mom is just one of 90,000 Canadians grappling with MS. She aims to raise awareness, provide assistance to those battling MS, and contribute to the search for effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Reflecting on her mother’s journey with MS, Kristen highlighted the impact of the disease on the central nervous system, which can lead to various symptoms such as vision impairment, tingling sensations, cognitive changes, and mood fluctuations. Despite Janet experiencing mostly invisible symptoms like head pain and leg stiffness, Kristen acknowledged her mother’s resilience in leading a fulfilling life without being hindered by the condition.
Campbell credited her mom for instilling in her qualities like a strong work ethic, which has propelled her successful career as a 28-year-old goaltender. Having achieved significant milestones in hockey, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being recognized as the top goaltender in the PWHL 2024 season, Campbell moved to Vancouver for the 2025-26 season, where she excelled alongside Emerance Maschmeyer.
After a season with the Goldeneyes, Campbell shared her excitement about the team’s progress and the unwavering support of fans. Looking ahead, she aims to improve on their performance and continue growing the franchise to engage more supporters.
During the offseason, Campbell took time off to recharge before delving into coaching, hosting goalie camps, and resuming her training routine. With the upcoming season set to kick off in November, Campbell is gearing up mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. She expressed her anticipation for the PWHL’s expansion with new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, underscoring the league’s evolution and growing popularity.
As Campbell prepares for the upcoming season, she remains focused on honing her skills and contributing to the Goldeneyes’ success while embracing the league’s growth and the support of its dedicated fan base.