The Philadelphia Flyers have not wasted any time with finding a replacement for their AHL head coach vacancy. While many other teams continue to interview coaches for roles without any formal hires, the Flyers have made the first major coaching decision of the off-season. After parting ways with Scott Gordon less than three weeks ago, the team has announced that Ian Laperriere has been named the head coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Of course, this means the Flyers now have another position to fill. Laperriere has served as an assistant coach for the NHL club since 2013-14, working under Craig Berube, Dave Hakstol, and Alain Vigneault, as well as briefly under Gordon, the man he is now replacing. Before that, he was the director of player development for the organization, which ties into his new role overseeing the Flyers’ pro prospects. The move thus comes as no surprise, as Philadelphia decides to stay internal with a trusted name, but also allowing Vigneault to bring in a new face for his staff.
Laperriere, 47, transitioned directly from his playing career into his professional career with the Flyers, hanging up his skates in 2012 after playing his final three years in Philadelphia. However, complications from a concussion suffered during the 2010 postseason actually kept him from competing in those final two seasons. Instead, he stayed on in a support role to the organization and was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for his efforts. In total, Laperriere played over 1,000 games in the NHL as a fearsome enforcer and two-way forward. His experience both on and off the ice has him set up well to coach the Flyers’ AHL prospects, currently a deep and talented group.
My favorite player ever. I literally just became a Lehigh Valley Phantoms fan.
Lappy did more for the children’s hospital in Denver than any two players combined.
Lappy would throw down with whoever no matter the size to stand up for his teammates. I’ve never seen a player punch someone in the head then catch the guy while falling to prevent his head from hitting the ice as often as #14
Once he went to the net and got crosschecked into the goalie. The guy then proceeds to punch Lappy over and over in the back of the head. Lappy did not care at all, instead he was checking with the goalie he just hit to make sure he was ok.
A complete class act in my book. I will miss seeing him on the Flyers bench but am hopeful this leads to a head coaching position in the NHL one day.
I will not wait for the first Avs goal tonight to take a shot, to Ian Laperriere
Great choice, Lappy gave 100% every night and Philly always seem to take care of their alumni.
He gave 1000%. One of the grittiest warriors I ever saw. Always blocking shots with his face, which is probably not the best way to do it, but…he got it done.
He is a good guy, glad to see him on this path.