Whatever It Takes
(from NHLPA.com)
NHLPA Feature Article
July 7, 2004 - When it comes to challenges, regardless of how tough they are, Ian Laperriere is always willing to answer the bell.
Wherever he has played, from his days in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Drummondville, to his eight-plus seasons with Los Angeles, Laperriere, who recently signed as an unrestricted free agent with Colorado, has never given anything short of his best effort.
St. Louis' sixth selection (158th overall) in the 1992 Entry Draft has always set high standards, a hard-working, unselfish sort who has been the ideal teammate on all of the clubs he has played with.
"I don't really set goals, I just try to play physical and make things happen," said Laperriere, who recorded back-to-back 40-goal seasons during his time with the Voltigeurs. "If I'm going to be successful at what I do, I have to make a difference in some way."
But it's not only on the ice where the 200-pound fireplug makes things happen. Keeping an upbeat atmosphere in the dressing room just seems to come naturally for Laperriere, who scored 13 goals and posted 27 points with the Blues during the lockout-shortened 1994-95 campaign.
When it comes to keeping things upbeat or doling out the odd good-natured barb to his fellow players, the Montreal native, admittedly, isn't shy.
"You try to play jokes just to relax the mood around the room which is always nice," said the veteran of nearly 700 big-league games. "Everybody tries to chip in. If somebody thinks of a good joke to play, they will do it. It's good to have that type of camaraderie."
As a member of an upstart Los Angeles crew that made a spirited run down the stretch in the hopes of grabbing a Western Conference playoff spot, Laperriere was at his best in the latter stages of the 2003-04 schedule. Whether it was contributing key points, throwing his weight around, getting under the skin of rivals, many of who towered over the feisty forward, 'Lappy' didn't disappoint on any front.
Unfortunately, the Kings fell short of making the final cut for the second-straight season, but they didn't go down without a fight, exemplified through the spirit and tenacity Laperriere showed every time he took a shift.
It was for those reasons and many more that the Avalanche sought the services of the 29-year-old. The club also added Antti Laaksonen, as both wingers signed with the Northwest Division club on July 2.
"The Colorado Avalanche is excited to add two players with the combination of speed, grit, and durability that Antti and Ian possess to our lineup," said Colorado Avalanche President and General Manager Pierre Lacroix. "The presence of both these wingers will add depth to our roster."
It will also be a welcome relief for many Avs players to skate with, rather than against Laperriere. Having the chance to suit up with a perennial Cup contender will only further fuel the forward's desire to make an impact on a squad blessed with a wealth of talent.
While his forte is rough-and-tumble hockey, Laperriere has displayed an ability to add some offensive punch, a side of his game that is often overlooked, but certainly not unappreciated by those he has suited up with.
"I expect a lot from myself," said Laperriere, who went from St. Louis, to the Rangers, to the Kings, all during the 1995-96 season. "I think it has to be that way for any hockey player to be successful. The bottom line, though, is winning. That's what this game is all about."
Adding more playoff experience to his resume tops Lapperiere's 'to do' list, something that shouldn't be a problem in Denver. He appeared in 13 post-season games with the Kings in 2001-02, the longest playoff run he has been part of since joining the league.
Coming off a 10-goal campaign, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Laperriere crack the double-digit goal mark again in the future. But as always, it's his energetic on-ice presence that will endear him to teammates and fans alike.
And that suits this NHLPA member just fine.
"I like to think that I can do a bit of everything," said Laperriere. "You can't always score, so you have to look to other ways to be effective." It's an accurate analysis of a career that is built on blue-collar initiative, one that has made Laperriere a valuable asset in both the past and present.