Flyers' Laperriere nominated for Masterton Trophy

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Thursday, April 6, 2011
Posted 7 a.m.

By Tim Panaccio
CSNPhilly.com

The thought has likely occurred to Flyer fans over and over again, as this team limps toward the finish line of the regular season, looking like a shell of its former self.

If only Ian Laperriere were around.

He embodied the spirit of last seasons Flyers in so many ways. He was perhaps the most vocal player in a dressing room, which also included Chris Pronger.

An eye injury has greatly jeopardized Laperrieres career on the ice, but it hasnt deterred his passion to remain active within the sport off the ice.

Without playing a single game this season, Laperriere will be the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

The award recognizes, a player who has shown extraordinary perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Though not in uniform with the Flyers, Laperriere, 37, can be found every day working out at the facility, trying to overcome the post-concussion effects of neurological damage to his right eye. He also remains active at various Flyer charity functions, as well as working with prospects in the Flyers minor league operations.

Additionally, he scouts Flyer opponents and does in-game work, as well.

I got caught by surprise a little bitI didnt play in one game, but its life, Laperriere said of the nomination, named for the late Bill Masterton.

I know what it means. It means that I tried to be a good human being on and off the ice, and when you guys are voting for me its telling me that Im doing a pretty good job off the ice.

Lappy, as his teammates call him, said the Flyers have given him new tools to be successful off the ice in the event he never resumes his career. Because Laperriere still incurs flashing sensations under artificial lighting conditions when he is on the ice, he cant be medically cleared to play.

I cant imagine any other team, or maybe a couple teams, but not that many teams that would take care of their players like they are doing with me, Laperriere said.

They have been giving me all the tools to keep me busy and they know how much I love the game. I just cant play right now and they just give me all the tools to stay in the game and stay close to the game.

Its been hard. Its been hard watching, its been hard not to be a part of something like Ive been used to since Im five years old, but thats something I have to deal with.

Laperriere admits hes given some thought to coaching because hes spending so much time working with minor leaguers and even amateurs.

I have always been an approachable guy and it is one of my qualities, he said. I think that the younger guys appreciate that. Im not saying I am a young guy, but I think I am really young at heart.

I can relate to those young guys. We will see where life is going to take me, but right now I try to touch everything. I try to touch the media types, radio and TV and stuff like that. Ill try to touch everything before I have to make a decision.

The Masterton Trophy winner is announced at the NHL Awards banquet in Las Vegas in June.

E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net

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