Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet Campbell dedicated numerous hours in icy arenas, shuttling kids to and from endless practices, and enthusiastically supporting every move from the sidelines. While Kristen faced challenges 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 expressed admiration for her mother’s resilience in dealing with the disease and the adversities it brings. Despite her own struggles, Janet prioritized her family and never missed a practice or game, always being there for Kristen. Kristen described her mother as her best friend and ultimate role model in life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is now sharing her family’s journey as part of the annual Burgers to Beat MS initiative by A&W. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from every Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada to assist individuals living with the disease and contribute to research for better treatments.
“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 remarked. “I aim to stand by those facing MS, raise awareness, advocate for advancements in treatments, and ultimately strive for a cure.”
MS impacts the central nervous system and can manifest in various symptoms, from vision impairment to sensory changes and cognitive fluctuations. Most of Janet Campbell’s symptoms are invisible, such as headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen highlighted her mother’s ability to lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges, noting that many people are surprised to learn about her condition due to her resilience.
Campbell attributes many of her qualities to her mother, particularly her strong work ethic that has propelled her hockey career. A key member of the Canadian team that secured gold at the 2022 Olympics and recognized as the top goaltender in the PWHL’s 2024 season, Campbell’s move to Vancouver for the 2025-26 season marked a new chapter. She shared the crease with Emerance Maschmeyer, showcasing impressive stats and a memorable experience playing for the league’s inaugural expansion team.
Following Vancouver’s playoff miss in May, Campbell took a break before engaging in coaching, hosting goalie camps, and resuming her training routine. With the upcoming season set to commence in November, featuring new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, Campbell looks forward to the growth and evolution of the PWHL. She emphasized the league’s progress from its inception in 2024 to now boasting 12 teams and playing in prestigious NHL arenas, attributing the success to the unwavering support of fans and belief in the league’s future.