Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Posted: 12:45 p.m.Updated: 10:03 p.m.
By Tim Panaccio
CSNPhilly.com
Flyers' gritty forward Ian Laperriere, who missed the entire season with post-concussion syndrome, has been named one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
That award goes to the player who who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Ironically, the other two finalists - Anaheim goalie Ray Emery and Calgary forward Daymond Langkow -- are former Flyers.
It's loving your sport, being good on and off the ice, Laperriere, 37, said. That's what I try to do in my life everyday. When I played, that's the way I feel. I have a job to do on the ice but when I come off the ice."
He added: I love the game so much, to do it for so long, you have to love something. That's my first love. It's going to be with me for the rest of my life. The passion I brought on the ice, it's because I love the game. I try to be a normal guy off the ice. When I take my skates off, I try to be as normal a person as I can be.
NHL
An eye injury in last springs playoffs pretty much ended Laperriere's career. His right eye has never fully recovered and he still has a flash of light sensation that often accompanies post-concussion syndrome.
You can often find him every day working out at the clubs Skate Zone facility, trying to overcome the post-concussion effects of neurological damage to his right eye, while remaining active at various Flyer charity functions, as well working with prospects in the Flyers minor league operations.
Additionally, Laperriere scouts Flyer opponents and does in-game work, as well.
I want to stay in the game but I got to be honest, my eye hasn't cleared up much,' he said. I feel much better, I try to stay in shape as much as I can, just in case my eye cleared up. It's been the issue for a while, my eye is still blurred, especially when I'm on the ice, it's worse. I've tried everything, tinted shield but it doesn't make that much difference.
For me, 37 going on 38, I better be 110 percent next year to go out there and play the want I to. My game is blocking shots and fights. If I can't play like that, I won't be playing.
The Masterton Trophy is awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers Association through a vote of the leagues 30 chapters.
The winner will be announced June 22 at the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
Heres this years nominees credentials:
Ray Emery, Anaheim Ducks
Emery battled back from a career-threatening injury to reach the NHL and played a major part in the Ducks' successful push for a playoff spot. Emery underwent a complicated bone-graft surgery last April to repair a deteriorated ball joint in his right hip, the result of a disease called avascular necrosis which interrupts blood flow to the area and causes cells to die. After months of rehabilitation he signed with Anaheim as a free agent on Feb. 7 and went 7-2-0 with a 2.28 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in 10 NHL regular-season appearances.
Daymond Langkow, Calgary Flames
On more then one occasion, it appeared Langkow's NHL career was over. After suffering a serious neck injury on March 21, 2010 against Minnesota, Langkow was twice forced to stop working out in the hopes of return. He made a third attempt and finally the recurring problems subsided. More than a year after being hit on the spine by a puck and suffering a fractured vertebra, Langkow made the comeback complete on April 1 when he laced up for his 1,014th NHL game and recorded an assist and plus-2 rating in the Flames' 3-2 win at St. Louis.
Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers
Laperriere sustained a severe injury during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he blocked a shot with his face against New Jersey and suffered a concussion and fractured orbital bone. He returned a little more than a month later to finish the Flyers' playoff run that ended two games short of a championship. Laperriere attempted to return in training camp, but could not overcome his concussion-related symptoms and has been on the long-term injury list all season. Nevertheless, he has served the Flyers in several capacities, particularly as a mentor for young players in the organization.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net
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