Ian Laperriere News and Photos
Summer 2009
Not looking good on Lappy
(from Dater's Blog: All Things Avs - Denver Post, 5/21/09)
Judging by the tea leaves I'm seeing (or something like that), I'd say it's not looking good Ian Laperriere will be back in an Avalanche uniform in 2009-10.
Read the rest here
Laperrière, le coeur au Colorado
(from radio-canada.ca, 5/26/09)
The Avalanche still has no general manager and head coach Tony Granato is hanging by a thread. Despite the uncertainty in Colorado, Ian Laperriere wishes to continue his career in this American Western State...
Read the translated version here
The NHL's Tough and Classy Players
(from SI.com, 6/2/09)
Sports Illustrated continues their look at tough and rugged players of the past and present, this time presenting 10 players who bring a notable touch of class to their games and lives.
A prized pest and roughneck agitator, Laperriere is hailed by peers and fans alike as one of the NHL's finest fellows.
A revealing tale:
Last season, while fighting Chicago's Colin Fraser, Laperriere wrapped his arm around the helmetless Fraser's head to prevent his foe from suffering a concussion as they fell to the ice. A 15-year veteran, Laperriere devotes much time to charities for kids in the Colorado area.
(Other names making the list include Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman.)
Invaluable Teammate
The Avs' Ian Laperriere plays an important role on skates or off
(from Mile High Sports "Mile High Heroes" segment)
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...
Read the rest here
Laperriere nixes offer, likely to leave Avs
(from the Denver Post, 6/12/09)
Ian Laperriere's days with the Avalanche appear to be over.
The popular Avs forward is expected to test the NHL's free agent market July 1, unless the team makes a much better offer than it made to him Thursday. With the Avs having salary cap problems for next season as it is, that does not appear to be likely...
Read the rest here
Dater: Offer to Lappy a slap shot in the face
(from the Denver Post, 6/15/09)
Like a lot of things this summer involving the Avalanche, it doesn't make much sense.
Ian Laperriere, heart-and-soul forward, fan favorite and locker-room leader, will no longer be on the team after July 1...
Read the rest here
Lappy Unhappy
(from the Denver Post, 6/26/09)
There have been no further negotiations between Ian Laperriere and the Avs for a new contract after he turned down a one-year offer by the team earlier this month. Laperriere, 35, said he will test the free-agent market July 1 and is expected to sign with another team.
Lappy Speaks
Ian Laperriere sounds off about his contract situation with the Avalanche
(from Mile High Sports)
Ever since the end of the regular season, Avalanche backers have been wondering about the fate of a fan favorite, Ian Laperriere. They are not alone, Laperriere himself has also been wondering...
Read the rest here
A goodbye statement from Lappy
(Via Adrian Dater - Denver Post, 6/30/09)
"I had a great time in Denver for the past four years. Thank you, fans, for your support," Laperriere told The Denver Post. "I'd like to thank the Lacroix family as well, as they are the reason I had a chance to live in and enjoy Denver. There is a good chance Denver is going to be our home when I'm done playing."
Lappy to Philly
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Ian Laperriere to a 3-year, $3.5 million deal.
Laperriere Conference Call
(from the Flyer Files, 7/1/09)
Q: We've heard a lot about how you bring character, grit, hate for losing to this team...where does that come from and what is that?
Ian Laperriere: From being on both sides of the fence, I guess. I've been on losing teams and winning teams, and I like winning teams much better. I hate to lose like most of the guys. Most of the guys in the NHL, you don't make it to this level by liking to lose. You want to win at any cost, and that's what I try to bring wherever I've played before, and what I'm going to try to bring to Philly...
THN.com Blog: Most-missed UFAs
(Ryan Kennedy - The Hockey News, 7/6/09)
Ian Laperriere, RW – Ex-member of the Avalanche joins the Flyers. Colorado hasn't made a lot of popular moves lately and letting 'Lappy' walk out the door has to be near the top of the list. A great character guy who stuck up for teammates and played hard, Laperriere will be loved by Flyers fans. And if new Avs GM Greg Sherman thinks David Koci is Laperriere's replacement simply because Koci fights, he's got a long way to go as an NHL exec.
Ian Laperriere Press Conference
(from The Official Website of the Philadelphia Flyers, 7/14/09)
Flyers forward Ian Laperriere, who signed as a free agent with the club earlier this month, met with the Philadelphia media Tuesday at the team's practice facility.
Watch the press conference here, or download the video podcast.
The Philadelphia Flyers held a news conference at the Flyers SkateZone in Voorhees, NJ to introduce Ian Laperriere. He was a free-agent forward signed by the Flyers earlier in the month. Laperriere was joined by the team's general manager Paul Holmgren.
(James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Ian Laperriere points out his "lack of bling" (aka championship rings) during his introductory news conference. Laperriere was discussing his desire to win a championship with the Flyers.
(James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren, right, introduces Ian Laperriere as a right wing for the team, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, during a news conference at the Flyers SkateZone in Voorhees, New Jersey. (James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Ian Laperriere models his new jersey during his introductory news conference.
(James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
(James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Ian Laperriere talks to members of the media following his introductory news conference hosted by the Philadelphia Flyers. (James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Ian Laperriere signs autographs for fans following his introductory news conference at the SkateZone in Voorhees, NJ. (James Heaney/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Ian Laperriere Comments On Joining The Flyers
(from CSNPhilly.com, 7/14/09)
Laperriere Talks About His Physical Style of Play
(from CSNPhilly.com, 7/14/09)
Laperriere Will Have His New Teammates' Backs
(from CSNPhilly.com, 7/14/09)
Ian Laperriere has spent a fair amount of his 15-year NHL playing career in the penalty box.
The versatile winger has racked up 1,794 penalty minutes. Despite being just 6-foot-1, 197 pounds, most of Laperriere's minutes are fighting majors – 177 regular season fights.
"What can I say? I'm a dirty player," Laperriere kidded...
Laperriere Says He's With The Flyers To Win
(from the Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/15/09)
Ian Laperriere is at the point in his career where winning is the only goal. Fifteen years in the NHL has provided more than enough money but no rings and when he became a free agent on July 1 he hoped a Stanley Cup contender would call. And sure enough, one did – the Flyers...
Read the rest here
New Flyer Laperriere Has Nose For Toughness
(from the Philadelphia Daily News, 7/15/09)
Paul Holmgren insists that with free-agent signee Ian Laperriere – who inked his name to a 3-year deal with the Flyers on July 1 what you see is what you get. If his nose is indicative of his playing style, Laperriere could be the perfect fit to the Flyers' puzzle...
Read the rest here
À 35 ans, Laperrière a vite trouvé preneur
(At age 35, Laperriere quickly found a taker)
(from Cyberpresse.ca, 8/7/09)
NHL teams are reluctant to offer long-term contracts to players aged 35 and over in this era of the salary cap. Especially to defensive players who have not spared themselves physically over the years...
Read the translated version here