L.A. Return 'Weird' for Laperriere
(from the Rocky Mountain News)
By Aaron J. Lopez
Rocky Mountain News
November 19, 2005 - ANAHEIM, Calif. - When reflecting upon his decision to leave the Los Angeles Kings, Ian Laperriere has only one regret.
He should have held on to his 2,400-square-foot townhouse in Manhattan Beach.
"I sold it before the lockout, which I could kick myself," Laperriere said Friday. "Just in the past year, it went up 55 percent."
Aside from a lamentable real- estate decision, the man known as Lappy is quite happy with his move from the Kings to the Colorado Avalanche.
Laperriere will play as a visitor at the Staples Center tonight for the first time since signing with the Avalanche as a free agent July 2, 2004.
"I won't lie to you. It's going to be strange," he said before Colorado's game Friday against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. "I played there for nine years. That's a third of my life, pretty much. It's going to be weird, but what are you going to do? I have to go through that."
Laperriere, a fan favorite during his nine seasons with the Kings, needed little time to endear himself to Avalanche fans.
He has recorded six goals and eight assists, while also playing a vital role on Colorado's penalty-killing unit. During his time in Los Angeles, he never eclipsed more than 23 points.
"I had a great time there," Laperriere said. "I had a decision to make, and it was a tough decision because I was there so long, but I needed a change. I think I did the right thing."
The Kings also are enjoying life after Laperriere. They are in first place in the Pacific Division and have yet to lose two games in a row.
"They made great moves in the summer," Laperriere said. "I'm happy for them."
Sidelight: Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere expects a warm reception in his first game in Los Angeles since leaving the Kings as a free agent nearly 17 months ago. Kings fans have booed Colorado defenseman Rob Blake every time he returns to Staples Center. "Blake is still on my team. I'll be all right," Laperriere said.