Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell dedicated numerous hours in cold arenas, shuttling children to and from endless practices, and enthusiastically supporting every play from the sidelines. Amid Kristen’s battles on the ice, Janet fought her own battle against multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just two years old.
Reflecting on her mother’s resilience in facing the disease and its challenges, Kristen Campbell expressed admiration for Janet’s selfless dedication to her family and unwavering support at every hockey event despite her own struggles. Participating in A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS initiative, Campbell aims to raise awareness and funds for MS Canada by donating $2 from each Teen Burger sold on August 20.
With her mother being one of 90,000 Canadians living with MS, Campbell highlights the personal significance of supporting this cause and advocating for improved treatments and, ultimately, finding a cure. Janet Campbell’s experience with MS, which primarily manifests in invisible symptoms like head pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes, has not hindered her ability to lead a fulfilling life, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.
Acknowledging her mother’s influence on her work ethic and character, Campbell, a standout goaltender, attributes much of her success to her upbringing. Having achieved remarkable milestones in her hockey career, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and earning accolades in the PWHL, Campbell continues to excel on the ice while also contributing to coaching and goalie camps during the off-season.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season with the Vancouver Goldeneyes, Campbell emphasizes the league’s growth and evolution, noting the expansion of teams and the increasing fan support. Excited about the prospects of a new season and the changes within the PWHL, Campbell remains dedicated to her sport and committed to furthering the development of women’s hockey.
As the hockey community eagerly anticipates the upcoming season set to commence in November, Campbell prepares both mentally and physically for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, expressing enthusiasm for the continued growth and success of the league.
