CONGRATULATIONS LAPPY!!
The April 11, 2009 game against Vancouver marked the 1000th game in Ian Laperriere's NHL career. He became the 244th player to reach this milestone.
The fan favorite and 15-year NHL veteran has totaled 118 goals, 198 assists and 1794 penalty minutes during stints with Colorado, Los Angeles, the New York Rangers and St. Louis.
The gritty forward made his NHL debut as a member of the St. Louis Blues on March 3, 1994, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks - the same opponent he faced in his 1000th contest.
Avalanche 0 - Canucks 1 (OT)
Ian Laperriere played 18 minutes, 20 seconds and blocked 2 shots in his milestone game on Saturday, April 11, 2009.
Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche skates by a sign congratulating him on his 1000th game during warm-ups against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center on April 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/Getty Images)
Laperriere's achievement was noted prior to the first drop of the puck Saturday afternoon. In a meaningful moment for the forward, he was joined on the ice by his sons, Tristan and Zachary, who served as the Avalanche's "youth skaters" for the contest.
"I was happy my mom was here tonight, and my kids," said Laperriere. "The Avalanche are such a class act, they sent my kids with me on the blue line. These are memories we'll never forget and my kids will have memories forever."
Colorado Avalanche right winger Ian Laperriere lines up with his sons Tristan and Zachary, for the national anthems of Canada and the United States. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(The Denver Post/Andy Cross)
(Photo by Michael Martin/Getty Images)
"Growing up back home, my dream was just to play one game in the NHL. Now, it's the 1,000th game - it's special, no doubt. I'm grateful to a lot of people who helped make it happen for me."
--Denver Post
"It is meaningful. If I look back at my career, it's my effort that I'm proudest of...I worked hard so I could play into my 30s, and I'm still playing hard at 35."
--Associated Press Sports
Ian Laperriere recaps his 1000th game
(Post-game Comments Courtesy of Avalanche TV)
Watch the video here
Avalanche 0 - Blues 1
Prior to Colorado's season finale against St. Louis on Sunday, April 12, 2009, veteran forward Ian Laperriere was honored for playing in his 1000th NHL game the previous night against Vancouver.
Colorado Avalanche right wing Ian Laperriere is honored for his 1000th NHL game before the start of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues in Denver, Sunday, April 12, 2009.
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
(Photo by Michael Martin/Getty Images)
Laperriere's achievement was commemorated by a pre-game ceremony that began with a video presentation containing highlights from his time with St. Louis, the New York Rangers, Los Angeles and Colorado.
Following the tribute, Ian's family, including his mother Francine, his wife Magali, and his two sons, Tristan and Zachary, joined him on the ice.
(Photo by Sara)
He was also given a commemorative crystal, presented by Avalanche Assistant to the Executive Vice President/General Manager and Hockey Hall of Famer Michel Goulet, and a silver stick, handed off by former St. Louis teammate Kelly Chase.
Earlier in the day, the Blues presented Laperriere with a painting that included the official scoring sheet from his inaugural game on March 3, 1994.
(Ceremony Coverage Courtesy of Avalanche TV)
Watch the video here
Ian with his silver stick after the game
Inscription on the blade