Her uncle another former NHLer, Rick Ley.

Now Rick Ley, the new coach, must decide which one of them will play.

When Smyl announced his retirement on July 3, 1991, he was concurrently named a Canucks assistant coach, along with Rick Ley, to Pat Quinn.

He replaced Pat Quinn, who had himself taken over coaching duties from Rick Ley for the final six games of the previous season before returning to his general manager duties.

"I think that was the turning point," said Rick Ley, the Hartford coach.

There was heavy speculation here that a Vancouver assistant, Rick Ley or Ron Wilson, would get the job.

Two Vancouver assistants, Ron Wilson and Rick Ley, have been mentioned as possibilities but deny they are candidates.

Twice he went behind the bench to replace the dismissed coaches Bob McCammon and Rick Ley.

"Obviously devastating news to the organization," Canucks Coach Rick Ley said today.

"We're getting two quality players," the Hartford coach, Rick Ley, said.