Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet Campbell spent numerous hours in cold rinks, driving her children to practices, and enthusiastically supporting every game from the sidelines. While Kristen was competing on the ice, 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 continuing to prioritize her family and children. She highlighted her mother’s unwavering support at every hockey practice and game, even amid her own struggles. Janet’s strength and selflessness have made her Kristen’s best friend and ultimate role model in life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is using her family’s journey to raise awareness for the annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign by A&W. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada to aid individuals living with the disease and advance research for treatments.
“My mom is among the 90,000 Canadians living with MS, so supporting this cause holds deep personal significance for me and for all Canadians,” Campbell shared. “My aim is to stand in solidarity with those battling MS, raise awareness, promote research for treatments, and ultimately strive for a cure.”
Janet Campbell’s experience with MS has largely involved hidden symptoms such as head pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Despite these challenges, she has led a fulfilling life without being hindered by the effects of the disease. Kristen emphasized that her mother’s stoicism often surprises people upon learning about her MS diagnosis, underscoring the individuality of how the disease impacts each person and family.
Campbell attributes many of her own qualities, including her strong work ethic, to her mother. These traits have propelled the 28-year-old goaltender to success in her hockey career. Her achievements include winning gold with Team Canada at the 2022 Olympics, being named the top goaltender in the PWHL in 2024, and joining the Vancouver Goldeneyes for the 2025-26 season.
Reflecting on her inaugural season with the Goldeneyes, Campbell expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic fan support that energized the team. Looking ahead, she aims to build on the previous season’s performance, secure a playoff spot, and continue engaging with fans to expand the franchise’s reach.
Following Vancouver’s playoff absence in May, Campbell took a break to recharge before diving back into coaching and personal training. With the upcoming season set to commence in November and the PWHL expanding to include new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, Campbell is gearing up for the league’s evolution and growth.
As she prepares for the new season, Campbell emphasized the intentional process of mental and physical preparation required at this stage of her career. Excited about the league’s growth and the increasing fan support, she looks forward to continued development and success in the PWHL.
