Ian Laperriere News and Photos
April 2009
Avalanche 0 - Coyotes 3
Ian Laperriere - Fight vs. David Hale
This was Ian Laperriere's 52nd scrap as a member of the Avalanche organization, moving him into the top spot with the most fights for any player in Avalanche history.
Ian was also credited with 3 hits, 2 takeaways and 2 blocked shots as the Avs were shut out by the Coyotes on Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
(Post-game Comments Courtesy of Avalanche TV)
Watch the video here
Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche dives to block a shot by Mikkel Boedker of the Phoenix Coyotes at the Pepsi Center on April 1, 2009 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Michael Martin/Getty Images)
Fight Clip from hockeyfights.com
Good-guy Laperriere Might Be Part of Housecleaning
(from INDenver Times, 4/2/09)
Thank you and farewell?
The Colorado chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association has nominated Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere as a candidate for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which represents "perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."
It would be a shame to see another group of scribes singing Laperriere's praises next season, but it looks like that could be the case as the 35-year-old prepares for free agency.
Read the rest here
Laperriere Named Masterton Nominee
Forward Earns Nod for Tireless Contributions to Local Community
(from the Official Site of the Colorado Avalanche, 4/3/09)
Forward Ian Laperriere has been named Colorado's nominee for the 2009 Bill Masterton Trophy, it was announced Friday by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." The award was presented by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to honor the late Bill Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars who exhibited those qualities. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968, as a result of an on-ice injury.
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Lappy's Dedication Pays Off
Ian Laperriere becomes the team's nominee for the Masterton award, which accents strong character.
(from the Denver Post, 4/4/09)
Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere on Friday was named the team's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
"Well deserved," Avs captain Joe Sakic said Friday of the team's emotional leader. "What he does in the dressing room for the guys and for the community, his preparation and everything about him, is as professional as you can get."
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Avalanche 4 - Canucks 1
Ian Laperriere - Fight vs. Ryan Kesler
Ian Laperriere also blocked 4 shots as the Avalanche snapped an 8-game losing streak on Sunday, April 5, 2009.
Colorado Avalanche's Ian Laperriere, right, and Vancouver Canucks' Ryan Kesler fight during third period NHL action in Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday April 5, 2009.
(AP Photo/THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
Fight Clip from hockeyfights.com
Laperriere Worthy of Trophy, Staying in Town
(from the Denver Post, 4/5/09)
...This year, the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers selected forward Ian Laperriere as the Colorado nominee for the Masterton Trophy. I can't speak for the other Colorado members, but it's safe to say the consensus is that Laperriere displays one of the most under-appreciated qualities in sports. He is a pro's pro.
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Avalanche 0 - Sharks 1 (SO)
Ian Laperriere logged 19:08 of ice time in the loss to San Jose on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.
Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche battles for the puck with Dan Boyle of the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game on April 7, 2009 at HP Pavilion at San Jose in San Jose, California.
(Photo by Don Smith/Getty Images)
Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche attempts a stick check on Douglas Murray of the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game on April 7, 2009 at HP Pavilion at San Jose in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/Getty Images)
Avalanche 2 - Stars 3 (SO)
Ian Laperriere was credited with 1 hit and 1 takeaway in his 16:45 of ice time as the Avs were defeated in the shoot out by the Stars on Thursday, April 9, 2009.
One of our photos from the game
Lappy's 1,000th Game Invokes Look at Future
(from the Denver Post, 4/11/09)
Ian Laperriere plays his 1,000th NHL game today and wants to play a bunch more before the skates are hung up for good. But the 35-year-old Avalanche forward already knows what he wants to do when that day comes.
"I'll give coaching a shot, for sure," Laperriere said Friday. "Hopefully, I've made enough friends in this game that somebody's going to give me a chance. I'll pay my dues, and I'm not expecting to be a head coach in the NHL right away.
Read the rest here
CONGRATULATIONS LAPPY!!
Avalanche 0 - Canucks 1 (OT)
The April 11th contest against Vancouver marked the 1000th game in Ian Laperriere's NHL career. Lappy played 18 minutes, 20 seconds and blocked 2 shots in his milestone game.
MORE 1000th GAME COVERAGE HERE
Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche skates by a sign congratulating him on his 1000th game during warm-ups against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center on April 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche right winger Ian Laperriere lines up with his sons Tristan and Zachary, for the national anthems of Canada and the United States before the Avalanche host the Vancouver Canucks in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Denver on Saturday, April 11, 2009.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Ian Laperriere skates up ice against Alexander Edler at Pepsi Center Saturday, April 11, 2009. (The Denver Post/Andy Cross)
Ian Laperriere gets the puck past Ryan Kesler and Pavol Demitra at Pepsi Center, Saturday afternoon, April 11, 2009. (The Denver Post/Andy Cross)
Ian Laperriere skates up ice against Alexander Edler at Pepsi Center Saturday, April 11, 2009. (The Denver Post/Andy Cross)
Ian Laperriere recaps his 1000th game
(Post-game Comments Courtesy of Avalanche TV)
Watch the video here
Avalanche 0 - Blues 1
Prior to Sunday's season finale against the St. Louis Blues, veteran forward Ian Laperriere was honored for playing in his 1000th NHL game the previous night against Vancouver.
MORE 1000th GAME COVERAGE HERE
Colorado Avalanche right wing Ian Laperriere is honored for his 1000th NHL game before the start of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues in Denver, Sunday, April 12, 2009. Laperriere played his 1000th game against the Vancouver Canucks, Saturday, April 11, 2009.
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche checks Brad Boyes of the St. Louis Blues at the Pepsi Center on April 12, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/Getty Images)
(Ceremony Coverage Courtesy of Avalanche TV)
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Inscription on the blade of Ian's silver stick from the NHL