Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie Kristen Campbell has long looked up to her mother as a role model. Janet Campbell, like many hockey parents, dedicated extensive time in icy arenas, shuttling kids to and from numerous practices, and enthusiastically supporting every play from the sidelines. While Kristen excelled on the ice, Janet fought her own battle against 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 posed by the disease. Despite dealing with multiple sclerosis, Janet always prioritized her family and was a constant presence at Kristen’s hockey practices, games, and tournaments. Kristen described her mother as her best friend and the primary influence in her life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is using her family’s journey as part of 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 to aid individuals living with the illness and support research for better treatments.
“My mom is one of 90,000 Canadians living with MS, making it a cause that is deeply personal to me and many others,” Campbell shared. “I aim to stand by those battling MS, raise awareness, facilitate more treatment options, and ultimately strive for a cure.”
Janet Campbell’s experience with MS has been largely internal, with symptoms like head pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen emphasized her mother’s ability to lead a fulfilling life despite these challenges, noting that Janet’s positive outlook has been an inspiration to many. Kristen attributes many of her own qualities, including a strong work ethic, to her mother’s influence.
Kristen Campbell has made significant strides in her hockey career, winning gold at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and earning recognition as the top goaltender in the PWHL’s 2024 season. After joining the Goldeneyes ahead of the 2025-26 season, she shared the crease with Emerance Maschmeyer and delivered strong performances, reflecting on the energy and support from fans during the team’s inaugural season.
Following Vancouver’s playoff miss in May, Campbell took a break before diving back into coaching, organizing goalie camps, and resuming her training routine. As she gears up for the upcoming season, Campbell emphasized the importance of a deliberate mental and physical preparation process at this stage of her career. The PWHL’s 2026 season will feature new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, highlighting the league’s growth since Campbell’s debut in 2024.
Campbell expressed excitement about the league’s expansion and evolution, highlighting the support from fans and the league’s development over the years. She looks forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the PWHL as it enters its fourth year with a broader presence and increased fan engagement.