Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet Campbell dedicated numerous hours in cold arenas, shuttling her children to and from endless practices, and enthusiastically supporting their games. While Kristen was on the ice, Janet was facing her own battle with multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 1999 when Kristen was just two years old.
Kristen spoke about her admiration for her mother’s resilience in handling the disease’s challenges while prioritizing her family and children. She highlighted how her mother’s unwavering support at every hockey practice, game, and tournament, despite her own struggles, has been a source of inspiration and strength for her.
Kristen Campbell, hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, is now sharing her family’s journey as part of A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS initiative. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada to aid individuals living with multiple sclerosis and contribute to research efforts for treatments.
Reflecting on her mother’s experience as one of the 90,000 Canadians living with MS, Kristen emphasized the personal significance of supporting the cause through the campaign. She expressed her desire to raise awareness, provide assistance to those battling MS, and contribute to finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure.
Janet Campbell’s life has been shaped by MS, a condition that affects the central nervous system and manifests in various symptoms, including invisible ones like headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen noted her mother’s resilience in leading a fulfilling life despite these challenges, surprising many with her strength and perseverance in managing the disease’s impact.
Kristen attributes many of her own qualities and achievements, such as her strong work ethic, to her mother’s influence. Having excelled in her hockey career, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being recognized as the top goaltender in the PWHL, Kristen moved to Vancouver to join the Goldeneyes and continues to thrive in her role as a netminder.
Following a period of rest and reflection after Vancouver missed the playoffs, Kristen Campbell delved into coaching, organizing goalie camps, and resuming her training regimen. As she prepares for the upcoming season, she emphasized the deliberate mental and physical process required at this stage of her career to regain peak performance.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season with new teams joining the PWHL in cities like San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, Kristen Campbell expressed excitement about the league’s growth and evolution since her debut in 2024. She acknowledged the fans’ unwavering support and belief in the league’s expansion, underscoring her anticipation for the continued development and success of the sport.