Waiting To Heal A Painful Experience
(from the Daily News)
By Matt McHale
Staff Writer
September 29, 2000 - EL SEGUNDO - For the past five months, Ian Laperriere has been thinking about this weekend. And the future.
After rehabilitating from surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Laperriere, the Kings third-line center and chief enforcer, returns to the ice for the first time Saturday night in Las Vegas against the Colorado Avalanche.
He wanted to come back tonight when the Kings play at San Jose in an exhibition game. But after spending 185 minutes last season in the penalty box that included a NHL-high 21 major penalties, Laperriere had plenty of time to think.
"I am 26 years old and I realized if I wanted to still be in this league when I am 30, I better make sure this knee is right," Laperriere said. "It's been so hard to be away from this, I can't wait to get back. But I also learned a lot."
Don't worry, this is the same Laperriere with a big smile and easygoing nature off the ice, who takes on the biggest brutes in the NHL.
"I just hope he doesn't think he has to beat up 20 guys the first night," Kings coach Andy Murray said. "He'll do anything for the team and always has. But he's healthy after putting up with a lot of pain for the past two years and we want to keep him that way."
Laperriere first injured his knee two years ago but continued playing. Last December, he was taken down from behind and hurt it again but decided he could finish the season.
After the Kings were eliminated by Detroit in the first round of the playoffs, Laperriere underwent a complete reconstruction. Then came the hard part.
"With an ACL, you actually feel fine after about six to eight weeks," trainer Pete Demers said. "You start to think you are ready to get back out there. But there still is a lot of scar tissue to break down. It's a five-month process."
During the summer, Laperriere also agreed to terms on a four-year, $3.45 million contract. He might have gotten a little more, but the length of contract was more important.
"I went for the security," said Laperriere, who spent the summer in his native Montreal. "When I was going through the rehab, my knee felt pretty good after six weeks. But I knew I was nowhere near ready. I must be getting smarter."
When he returned, however, Laperriere found his enforcer's job had been given to newcomer Stu Grimson and his third-line center's spot taken by Bob Corkum.
For now, Laperriere will be working out on right wing and might play some center with the first unit if Jozef Stumpel does not end his holdout or if Brad Chartrand or Eric Belanger falter in that role.
"There is less to think about on the wing," Laperriere said. "Right now that is good for me. When I finally get out there, I'll want to do everything at once. This way I can ease back in."
--Notes: The Kings expect to lose goaltender Steve Passmore in today's waiver draft. Edmonton has expressed interest. Boston and Ottawa also have goaltender needs. . . . The Kings paired their roster to 28 by sending defensemen Rich Brennan and Peter LeBoutillier to minor league Lowell, Mass. They also designated defenseman Philippe Boucher for assignment. Boucher, who was rusty in camp after missing all but one game last year because of foot surgery, will be assigned after the Kings see who they lose in the draft.