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Today in Hockey History: Vancouver Canucks Make Rick Ley Coach

Hockey is finally back, but we at Last Word on Hockey are still going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for August 10th, featuring Rick Ley.

Today in Hockey History

Rick Ley Hired By Vancouver

1994: The Vancouver Canucks make a coaching change after losing in the 1994 Stanley Cup Final. Pat Quinn remains with the team as general manager and wants to focus on those duties. Ley lasts less than two seasons and is fired in the middle of the 1995-96.

The coaching change means that both Stanley Cup finalists have new bench bosses. Colin Campbell takes over as New York Rangers head coach just a day earlier. He replaces Mike Keenan, who goes to the St. Louis Blues. Campbell lasts less than four seasons as boss, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Final in 1996-97. He’s fired the next season after 57 games.

Other Notable Events

1987: The Rangers sign free agent Peter Laviolette to a contract. He only plays 12 games and doesn’t record a point. Laviolette resurfaces in New York 12 years later as the coach of the New York Islanders.

1993: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim make their first trade in franchise history. Anaheim obtains forwards Todd Ewen and Patrik Carnback from the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal gets a third-round pick from Anaheim in return.

The Florida Panthers would sign forward Jody Hull to deal. He plays parts of five seasons with the club and scores 20 goals in the 1995-96 campaign.

1995: The recently-moved Quebec Nordiques unveil their new name after completing their move to Denver. Quebec takes the name of the Colorado Avalanche and go with the colours of burgundy, blue and silver. Colorado wins the Stanley Cup in its first season after moving out west.

The San Jose Sharks ink Dave Brown to a new contract. It would be the last stop in his career as he played 37 games and scored three goals in his last NHL season.

2004: The Rangers sign free agent centre Michael Nylander to a deal. Nylander lasts three seasons with the Blueshirts and scores 20 goals twice with the club.