Ian Laperriere Quote Book
2009 - 2010
Quotes From Lappy
"Do I come in offensively? I don't know. I'm not known as a goal-scorer. I had one year where I fooled everyone and scored [21]. But I come to work every night. I do the things like Danny [Briere] said. I block shots, I'll get into a fight when it's the right time. That's how I made a career and that's how I play today. I won't be scoring goals like Danny does and stuff like that. But I'll tell you one thing: I'll be there for Danny when he's in trouble. That's for sure, and they know that."
On what he will bring to the Flyers - July 2, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"For me, it was an honor and a privilege to play with such a player and such a classy guy like Joe. The game just lost one of the best ambassadors that ever hit the ice."
On Joe Sakic's retirement - July 7, 2009 - Denver Post
"I'm a physical player, that's for sure. When you look at my face, you can tell."
Laperriere joked while being introduced to the media for the first time as a Flyer - July 15, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"I don't know if I am old-school, but when I see stuff out there happening, I get that little guy on my shoulder that kind of gives me that 'let's go.' When any player is getting a cheap shot on the ice, I will be there. That doesn't mean I'm going to win that fight, but for sure, I will be there."
July 15, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"When they go get guys like [Chris] Pronger and Ray Emery, and with the team they already have, it just shows you that they want to win the Cup. And when they call you and they need a guy like you to do so, it's flattering, and it's also a great challenge.
July 15, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"Winning is everything. I've played many years and a lot of games, but I don't have any bling bling to show. That's the goal."
July 15, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"I work hard every night. I'm not a goal-scorer, I won't make that big pass. But I'll show up every night and do everything right. I'll block that shot when I need to and I'll be physical for sure."
July 15, 2009 - Courier-Post
"I have a couple scars on my face somewhere from him. It's going to be great to play with him again. When (the Flyers) made that move, even before they showed interest in me, I said, 'They're going for it.' "
Speaking of the Flyers' acquisition of Chris Pronger - July 15, 2009 - Courier-Post
"I get along with everybody. I'm French-Canadian, but I like everybody... It doesn't matter if it's Russian, Czech, Slovak, Finn; I'm known to get along with any language, even if my English is awful. Maybe that's why those guys like to talk to me because they feel like they're talking to one of their own without English."
"I just like to have fun, show up every day to work, and the guys appreciate that, I guess."
September 2, 2009 - Official Website of the Philadelphia Flyers
"It's different to be team-tough than goon-tough, and we've got a bunch of guys who can fight but fight for the right reasons and fight at the right times. It's a fine line. That's our job as a team to understand that, and to become a tough team to play against."
September 2, 2009 - Official Website of the Philadelphia Flyers
"I'm not mad at anybody yet. Give me a couple games and I'll get mad at someone. Out west I had my rivals. All these guys are new to me. I need to look at the stats sheets and see who they are. I am sure they are doing the same thing for me. When you play against these guys a couple times and you get a couple cheap shots here and there you remember them. It's only Game 2. Trust me, I'll find my rivals."
October 3, 2009 - "In The Room" - Delaware County Daily Times
"Once in a while [I score]. I just happened to put it on net and it went in. I said earlier, if I don't know where it's going, I don't think Marty knows, either."
After scoring on Martin Brodeur during Brodeur's 1000th game - October 3, 2009 - CSNPhilly.com
"Never. I was born like this... Only kidding. Seven or eight times, rough count."
When asked how many times his nose had been broken - October 5, 2009 - Courier-Post
"I do fight, it's part of my game. But it's not the only part of my game. You don't last in this league just by fighting. I'm not a heavyweight at all. I'll lose three quarters of my fights, but I'll be there for my teammates."
October 5, 2009 - Courier-Post
"I'm a boring guy, that's what they're going to find out about me. They are a great bunch of guys and I am looking forward to doing other stuff than coming to the rink. It's fun to know the guy you are battling for or blocking a shot for."
Talking about the Flyers' bonding trip to Florida - October 13, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"It should be called cheating. We're using a different language, the other team can't understand us. They'll recognize our accent for sure."
Joking about speaking French on the ice with his new "French Connection" linemates Gagne and Giroux - October 24, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"We know we have a good team. If you come back happy and smiling after a loss, you're in the wrong business. I'm glad guys aren't happy."
Referring to the team's businesslike manner at practice following two consecutive losses - October 29, 2009 - Philadelphia Inquirer
"It's kind of good because the music we listen to is awful."
The players took a more serious approach and chose to shut off the music in the locker room after practice - October 29, 2009 - Philadelphia Inquirer
"The worst thing about the incident is that I am mad at myself. I shouldn't go down like that. I take pride in blocking shots sometimes, but that's stupid."
Ian Laperriere on blocking a rising slapshot by Buffalo's Jason Pominville on Friday; Laperriere went down early to block the shot, lost seven teeth and was back in the lineup on Saturday - November 28, 2009 - Courier-Post
"It comes from individuals, you have to prepare yourself better, and look in the mirror. If there is one guy in this room who is thinking he is doing his job, we're in trouble. Because nobody is doing their jobs here, other than Boosh [Brian Boucher]."
"I came here because they don't take losing streaks easy. It's a winning attitude here. Always was and always will be because they do everything they can to win. That's the reason why I came here."
"I feel like crap right now. I come to the rink mad. Hopefully, everyone is pissed off. We need to. We need to carry that [attitude] onto the ice...bring some emotion out there."
"We win tomorrow, it's not over, it's a process. You don't change that in one game...we haven't scored in a while. Everyone is tense...We're not working smart."
After the Flyers' streak of six losses in seven games - December 4, 2009 - CSNPhilly.com
"Cry me a river. I lost six teeth."
Ian Laperriere laughed when it was brought to his attention that Islanders rookie John Tavares came back to score a goal after losing a tooth on a check to the glass by Chris Pronger - December 10, 2009 - Courier-Post
"On paper, we all knew that, this team is good. But paper is paper..."
"We got to be better as individuals and the day guys don't realize that, we're screwed. Some guys think they are doing their job? I hope not. I do hope we're not thinking like that because everybody needs to be better for us to win."
Commenting on the Flyers' recent struggles - December 13, 2009 - CSNPhilly.com
"It's mindboggling. The longer it goes, everybody starts thinking out there too much. A fraction of a second is the difference between a goal and no-goal. Guys are squeezing their sticks even more. It's mindboggling to everybody."
More comments on the Flyers' continuing struggles - December 19, 2009 - CSNPhilly.com
"I try not to take a lot of 2-minute [penalties]. I prefer to do them in 5 and get them out of the way. But seriously, if I am going to get 2 minutes, I like to bring someone with me."
Joking about the kinds of penalties he takes - December 31, 2009 - Philadelphia Daily News
"The Ronald McDonald House is close to my heart. It's a brutal event for families when cancer or any disease hits. (Ronald McDonald Houses) do so much for families. My thing is to stop by when kids don't expect it and put a smile on their faces for an hour or two."
January 4, 2010 - Official Website of the Philadelphia Flyers
"I knew right away, if I was okay, I'd come back to make a point to my teammates. If you're okay, you should play. Personally, I wanted to get back to make sure I was okay."
"We take pride in playing through injuries. You respect guys who go through that: you know how much pain they're in, but they're out there helping the team."
Referring to returning to the game in the 3rd period on 11/27 after taking a slapshot to the face in the 1st period - January 4, 2010 - Official Website of the Philadelphia Flyers
"I've been on teams where I've never seen my owner. Everybody around the league knows Mr. Snider loves his team and he'll do anything for his team. If he could spend $150 million he would. He's that kind of guy. He wants to win. It's refreshing to play for an owner who doesn't see this just as a business of making money. He sees this as a business of winning."
On Flyers' team chairman Ed Snider shaking hands with players after every home win - January 12, 2010 - Courier-Post
"What I like about the U.S. team is that they're excited. They're young kids and they're showing what our game is all about - just having fun and scoring goals and jumping around and being happy about the other (teammates). They're not worried about their own situation, but just worried about the ultimate goal, and I think those kids have the (enthusiasm) more than any other team in the tournament."
Despite rooting for his homeland Canada in the Gold Medal game, Lappy has been impressed by the Americans - February 27, 2010 - Philadelphia Inquirer's Broad Street Bull Blog
"I'll say the States, because everything I've said so far has gone the other way. I said Russia was going to beat Canada. I thought Finland would beat the U.S., and I thought Canada would beat the U.S. [the first time]. Now I'm saying the U.S., and, hopefully, Canada will take it."
Using reverse psychology to predict the Gold Medal game winner - February 28, 2010 - Philadelphia Inquirer
"Those people are getting fooled by his act. I know he is the worst teammate I've played with. And I know (the Rangers) feel the same way. That's all I'm going to say."
Referring to ex-teammate and current NY Ranger Sean Avery - March 14, 2010 - New York Daily News
"That pretty much shows that I have been around a long time. It is not something I came into the league thinking about. I guess I've had my share of fights. Fighting is part of my role to help my team win. I still think like that at 36. The day I change my mind I am going to have to retire because I won't be as effective."
Talking about his 200th career fight - March 20, 2010 - CSNPhilly.com
"We're fighting for our lives. We're fighting to keep playing. I don't want to come back on Monday and pack my stuff. I want to come back on Monday for practice and get ready for the playoffs. This is great for hockey. It's not great for my stress level."
The fate of the playoffs rested on the outcome of Game 82 - April 12, 2010 - Courier-Post
"If I missed that pass, I don't think you're going to see me on the ice out there again (the rest of the game). It's one of those, you take chances, it worked – good...good for me and good for the team. I saw 'Richie' coming off the bench and I just made that pass. And it worked. But if it didn't work, I don't think you would have seen 14 out there for a while."
Referring to his highlight-reel, spin-o-rama rink-wide feed off his backhand to a charging Mike Richards on the opposite wing during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - April 14, 2010 - Star-Ledger
He's sitting next to me (on the bench) and I tell him it's time to be a hero and looks at me and says, 'I got that one,' and he goes out and scores. Sometimes, it might not be the goal-scorer who gets the big goal, it's the grinder. You rise to the occasion in times like this and I'm happy for him and happy for us."
Speaking of Dan Carcillo's game-winning overtime goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - April 18, 2010 - NHL.com
"I'm the oldest on this team and I get goose bumps when I see (Richards) hit. He's got the worst body on the team. He might not be flashy like Crosby on the other side of the state, but he's as effective."
(What do you mean "worst body?" Can you define that?)
"Well (smiling), he's built like my 8-year-old son."
Talkng about Flyers' captain Mike Richards - April 19, 2010 - NHL.com
"I want to see my children grow up with both of my eyes. You want to block shots but you don't want to block shots with your face."
"I made a stupid mistake again and I'll wear (a shield) for the rest of my career now. I don't care anymore. I'll continue to fight -- I'll still take off my helmet. It's just that stupid macho thing in my head, and (Thursday) made me realize I've got to smarten up. I have to think about my family more than anything else."
NHL.com
"Call me dumb, call me stupid, whatever. I block shots."
Delaware County Daily Times
After taking a puck to the face for the second time this season, requiring 60-70 stitches above his right eye - April 23, 2010
"I've been here for 7 months and for them to show me how they appreciate what I do, I don't have any words to describe that. It was unreal. I'll never forget that."
On the roaring standing ovation he received during Game 3 at the Wachovia Center on Wednesday - May 7, 2010 - Daily News
"When they told me I'd have a chance to come back, I thought it would be nice to play in front of our fans at this time of the year with the crowd going nuts. It's been driving me crazy just watching from the press box and watching the games and knowing I couldn't be out there because of my injury. When that great news happened, I was just happy knowing I'd have another chance in front of our fans."
May 24, 2010 - NHL.com
"My thinking is if I stopped doing that and get out of the way of pucks, I might as well retire because nobody is going to want me. The day I start thinking like that, I'm done because they'll take a younger guy that will do my job for half the price."
"It is a hard way to make a living, but it's worked for me for the past 16 years. I think I made the right call because if it was for my skill, I'd be long gone."
May 27, 2010 - NHL.com
"This next round, it's going to be the team that wants it more that's going to get it."
May 28, 2010 - Philadelphia Inquirer
"It's funny, because I'm in the meeting before Game 5, and (Laviolette) says, 'You guys have been working nine months for this,' and I saw him in the hallway after the meeting and I said like, 'Peter, nine months? I've been waiting 15 years for this."
"Doesn't matter if you're 36 or 21, like JVR here. You've been watching this all your life, and wanting to be part of it. If you don't wish like that, you can never be in the NHL. I've been around. You got to care about the game. I'm 100 per cent sure that if you dream about making money, you'll never make it. If you dream about winning, about playing for the Stanley Cup, if you care about the game, the money will take care of itself."
May 29, 2010 - Vancouver Sun
"Seriously. I'm tired of the nose jokes. Holy cow. My nose? ... Hey, you guys know. My modelling career is always going to be there for me. I'll get it fixed when I'm done."
May 29, 2010 - Vancouver Sun
"Who remembers losers? Nobody. There are only two teams left and we've made it this far, so we might as well win it."
May 30, 2010 - PhillyBurbs.com
"We don't give up, and I'm sure there are a lot of people who in their lives have had ups and downs and never gave up. Maybe they can use us as inspiration."
June 7, 2010 - Courier-Post
"Hey, can you guys recommend a good video on how to block shots? I'm 36 years old, and I guess I still have no idea what the heck I'm doing out there."
After injuring his hand with another shot-blocking attempt - June 8, 2010 - NHL Fanhouse
"We're here ... If we're here, we might as well win the thing. If we're going to win, it's not going to be easy, that's not how we do things. It wouldn't be right for us to go 4-0. This is normal for us. We've had our backs against the wall all year. This is one more chapter."
June 8, 2010 - Toronto Sun
"At this point it's all about the will. We have two games we need to win. You don't know how it's going to turn out, but I can guarantee you we're going to leave everything we have out there on the ice."
"I've always loved coming to the rink, but this time now is special. If you can't enjoy being in the Stanley Cup Final, I think there may be something wrong with you."
June 8, 2010 - NHL Fanhouse