SportsNation Chat With Ian Laperriere
(from ESPN.com)
December 5, 2001
SportsNation Chat
Ian Laperriere: I am here and ready to take your questions!!
Kingme/Burbank: Hey Lappy! Thanks for all your hard work over the years. Obviously we've lost quite a few one goal games. What's it going to take to start winning some of those?? Scoring seems to be the big problem this year. Do think we need to add another scorer? Or are we just not getting the bounces? Why did you and K. Belanger go at it in practice? Thanks and Go Kings!
Ian Laperriere: Two more goals is what it will take? I don't know really, we have gotten chances but we need to bear down more on the net and that will make a difference.
Jason (LA): How does Jason Allison compare to some of the other great players that you have played with in your career? How has the trade affected the chemistry on the team?
Ian Laperriere: You can't compare him with Blake because he's not a loud guy ... he's a big strong guy who likes to keep the puck and that is his strength. About the trade, it hurt everybody when those guys left us, but it's part of the game, you have to go on. We are turning the corner right now.
Tammy in Santa Monica: Lappy I was wondering if you and your wife have decided on a name for your child. If it is a boy, would you encourage him to strive for a career in the NHL? Congratulations on being a daddy in waiting! Any child would be proud to have you for a father.
Ian Laperriere: His name is going to be Tristan. You know what, he can do whatever he wants, hockey player, pianist, whatever. I just want my kids to be happy and have a good life. Being an NHLer you have to be lucky, I was lucky to have that. If they want to play hockey, I'll be happy to teach them.
CHRIS (Los Angeles): Lappy is it hard adjusting to your new teammates since many trades have occured this year of 2001?
Ian Laperriere: Yes and no. It's part of the game. There have been so many changes since I got here six years ago so I'm used to it. But when you see your new teammates care as much as you do it makes it easier.
Danny (Toronto): What was it like facing Rob Blake in the playoffs last year after he had been a King for his whole career?
Ian Laperriere: Well, I always said if I played against him I would have to keep my head up and that is exactly what you have to do!! Don't let him shoot! In my mind he is the most complete defenseman out there. We miss him but we have guys who have really stepped up.
Lorrie from Los Angeles: My whole reason for being a Kings fan this past several years (whether it be a good or bad season) is due to #22. There's nothing better than someone who's not afraid to get a little rough on the ice. My question is ... are you planning to retire in a Kings jersey???
Ian Laperriere: Well, you never know!! I would love to finish my career here but it's a business and you never know when things will happen. You always have to expect to be traded. If you aren't expecting it, it's like running into a storm. My family loves it here though.
Neil - Los angeles: Hey Lappy, I just wanted to let you know how as a King fan how happy to see your line really seem to spark the team up. I respect your style to mix it up no matter how tough the other guy is! Should we expect Coach Murray to really shake things up with the lineup, if you guys continue to struggle? Go Kings!
Ian Laperriere: I'll give you a scoop ... he did today in practice. The lines will be different tomorrow.
Kingsize/La Habra Hts.: Lappy we all love the way you give it your all. Honestly though, do the Kings have enough talent to make the playoffs this year?
Ian Laperriere: The talent has never been a problem on this team. We have to get back to where we were last year. We just have to work hard for 60 minutes ... that is how we won last year.
ZKings: Lappy, can you describe the mood in the locker room lately? Who is the leader in the locker room?
Ian Laperriere: You have so much you can say ... nobody is happy in the locker room. It is tough to have a smile on your face now, but we have to string some wins together. We are planning on turning it around soon.
Mike (Los Angeles): Ian, you have spent a lot of time this year playing on a line with Eric Belanger, who continues to impress. Do you, or anyone else on the team, think he can make it as a second line center?
Ian Laperriere: Oh yeah, no doubt! He is playing with so much confidence. He gets better each game. No doubt he has the speed and skill to be a first or second line center.
Mike/Upland: If everybody on the team played as hard as you we would be in first place. What kind of expectations do you put on yourself in the begining of each season?
Ian Laperriere: I don't really set goals, I just try to play physical. I was expecting more goals out of myself by now, I have none right now. Talking about one goal games, I want to help my team out and turn things around.
Mark: I saw Jamie (Storr) late yesterday at the rink (Health South). Is he getting ready for a start next game watching film?
Ian Laperriere: We don't know. Lately, we have been finding out on gameday who is in net. We don't care either way, they are both playing well for us.
Dan (LA): What's your favorite movie, favorite tv show, and favorite band?
Ian Laperriere: I just saw Godfather, the DVD, I really liked that. Sopranos. And I love U2.
this ones for u: Lappy why did you and Ken fight at practice a while ago, what went on?
Ian Laperriere: When things don't go well, you are short fused. When you get a slash in practice you usually let it go, but sometimes you get more intense than you should. I still feel bad about it. I don't need to fight my own teammates. And we are on good terms now to clear that up.
kingsfan8888: Who gets in the most trouble playing jokes in the locker room? All of us on the Kings board think it is you. Any truth to that?
Ian Laperriere: Maybe a little truth! I have some guys who help me out though. Right now, you try to play jokes just to relax the mood around the room which is always nice. Everybody tries to chip in. If somebody thinks of a good joke to play, they will do it!
Thanks to everyone for writing in ... I really appreciate it. This was fun. Keep pulling for us, we will turn this thing around soon!