Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents involved in hockey, Janet Campbell devoted endless hours in cold rinks, shuttling kids to practices, and enthusiastically supporting every play from the sidelines. While Kristen fought on the ice, Janet battled multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just a toddler.
Kristen Campbell expressed admiration for her mother’s resilience in facing the challenges of the disease while prioritizing her family. Janet’s unwavering support at every hockey practice, game, and tournament, despite her own struggles, has made her Kristen’s best friend and ultimate role model in life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is using 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, aiding individuals living with the disease and advancing treatment research.
“My mom is one of 90,000 Canadians living with MS, so supporting this cause is deeply personal to me and to all Canadians,” Campbell shared. “I aim to stand by those battling MS, raise awareness, advocate for more treatments, and ultimately work towards finding a cure.”
Reflecting on her mother’s experience living with MS, Campbell highlighted the variety of symptoms the condition can provoke, from vision issues to sensory changes and cognitive shifts. Despite experiencing mostly hidden symptoms such as headaches, leg stiffness, and temperature sensitivity, Janet has led a full life without letting MS hinder her significantly.
Campbell attributes many of her own qualities, including her strong work ethic, to her mother’s influence. Her dedication has propelled the 28-year-old goaltender to success in her hockey career, from winning gold at the 2022 Olympics to being named the top goalie in the PWHL’s 2024 season.
Transitioning to the Goldeneyes for the 2025-26 season, Campbell, alongside Emerance Maschmeyer, displayed stellar performance in the crease. Recalling the team’s inaugural season, she emphasized the overwhelming support of fans and the unforgettable energy that fueled their debut year.
Following a break post-season, Campbell delved into coaching, organizing goalie camps, and resuming her training regimen. As she prepares for the upcoming season slated to kick off in November, Campbell looks forward to the league’s evolution, with new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, marking a significant growth from the league’s inception.
With a promising outlook for the future of the PWHL and her continued commitment to raise awareness for MS, Campbell remains dedicated to her sport, her family, and supporting those in need.
