Invaluable Teammate
The Avs' Ian Laperriere plays an important role on skates or off
(from the Mile High Sports)
By Kitt Amundson
Mile High Heroes Segment
June 2009 - He is the guy you want on your side - both on and off the ice. On the ice, he is a fierce competitor, ready to defend his teammates at the drop of a glove. He's the prototypical "lunch pail guy" who gives it his all every night. Off the ice, it seems that there is nothing he won't do, either. He gives back to fans, community and multiple worthy causes.
He is Ian Laperriere, or "Lappy" to those who know and love him. If a Gordie Howe hat trick is a fight, a goal and an assist, then Lappy is the king of the recently coined "Mother Teresa" hat trick - an appreciation of one's fans, a huge heart and the desire to give back to the community. His crooked, misshaped nose might be intimidating to opponents, but it's a welcome sight anywhere else.
There isn't a fan Laperriere won't stop and talk with, sign an autograph for or pose with for a picture. On the same day, he has gone from a grueling practice to privately visit a child in the hospital and then attend the birthday party (as a surprise guest) of another child. He doesn't do it for the attention it brings him or for media cameras. He does it solely for the satisfaction doing something selfless for someone else.
"Anyone who has made a sick child or an adult smile, or just forget about their daily battle for even a small period of time, knows the feeling I am talking about," says Laperriere. "The first time you have it, you are surprised by how incredible it makes you feel. I know that I am lucky and have a blessed life, and if I can take a few minutes of my time to make someone else's day be better, then it is all worth it."
Strangely enough, Laperriere's desire to give more to his community came during one of the hardest times of his life, as he watched his father battle cancer. As his father fought, Laperriere knew that making a difference within his community was paramount. His father ultimately didn't win the battle, but he would most definitely be proud of the man his son has become.
Laperriere supports The Children's Hospital and the kids who must spend time there. He supports the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a place for families of sick patients to spend time during their hospital stays. He promotes the Avalanche Team Fit program, which emphasizes the importance of nutrition and eating healthy. He supports sled hockey programs and special hockey camps to give underprivileged children exposure to the game he loves.
The cause always varies, but if has the ability to participate, it's likely that Laperriere will be there supporting it. It is no wonder that The American Diabetes Association and the Denver Father's Day Council honored Laperriere as one of their four 2008 Father(s) of the Year, an honor that recognizes outstanding fathers in Colorado communities.
"We are proud to honor these four exceptional fathers who have demonstrated the ability to balance their personal lives, while achieving a high-level of success in their careers," said Perri Dombroski, associate director at the American Diabetes Association. "All of these fathers are very deserving of this award."
During a given game, his Avalanche teammates know the value of having a guy named "Lappy" on the ice. But it's quite possible that his worth in the community is even greater. Simply put, Laperriere is an individual everyone wants on their team.
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