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Flyers Coaching Candidate: Ian Laperrière

By Scott Cole

Jan 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers assistant head coach Ian Laperriere (left) and head coach Dave Hakstol against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Maple Leafs defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers assistant head coach Ian Laperriere (left) and head coach Dave Hakstol against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Maple Leafs defeated the Flyers, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia is one of the funny sports cities that a player can play just a short time, but if they put it all out there, they can leave a memorable impression. Phillies fans will remember seeing Aaron Rowand break his face against the centerfield wall to catch a ball. Eagles fans will remember Vai Sikahema punching the goalposts after returning a kickoff. In the same way, Flyers fans will remember Ian Laperrière for putting his face on the line twice in the same season.

Laperrière played 16 years in the NHL, nine of them in LA. He played four seasons in Colorado before coming to play his only season in Philly. He played every game that season, scoring three goals with 17 assists.

On Nov 27, 2009, he took a slapshot to the face against the Sabres. Getting stitched up, he returned in the third period to play. He would lose seven teeth in the process.

During the playoffs that season, before they went on their magical Stanley Cup run, he was injured in the first round against the New Jersey Devils. Laying down on the ice to block a shot on a power play, he took one to the face. He broke the bones around his eye socket and suffered a concussion. It turned out to be the last he ever played.

He would serve as a mentor for some of the Flyers younger players. His commitment to the game earned him the Bill Masterson Trophy in 2011. After retiring, he has served as an assistant coach to the Flyers as well as serving as the head coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2021-22.

Why He Should Be The Flyers Next Coach 

He is the type of player every Flyer should be like. He put his body on the line for the team. He is committed to his teammates. Before he officially retired, he spent two seasons with the Flyers mentoring the younger players on how to get better. He is someone that they have been grooming for years and could be ready for the next step.

Why He Shouldn’t Be The Flyers Next Coach

Laperrière has never coached at the NHL level. His one season coaching in the AHL, the team finished in last place. Maybe the Flyers would be rushing him, but maybe now is not the time. He needs to have a bigger body of experience first.

Final Verdict

Laperrière would be an interesting “out of the box” coach to have. We know the commitment he brings. He can’t be faulted for the Phantoms bad season since many of them were called up due to the mountain of injuries the parent club had this year.

If the Flyers had no consistency due to injuries, the Phantoms wouldn’t have either because of the constant back and forth movement of players.  Perhaps Laperrière’s familiarity with the youngsters could be a good asset to have. It would be an unconventional move, but it wouldn’t be giving the keys to someone who has shown they can’t deliver the Cup in other cities.

You also have to consider this: Laperrière spent only one year in a Flyers jersey, but has spent the next 10+ years doing various things within the Flyers organization. They have plans for him and he is only 48 years old.

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