Lappy

“I will do whatever it takes to block shots and pay the price again.
What are you going to do? … I don’t think twice about doing it. Come
next game, I’ll go down."

Those are the words of Flyer winger Ian Laperriere in the locker room last night after taking his second slap shot to the face in the Flyers' 3-0 clincher over the Devils. Laperriere took a Paul Martin slap shot right above his right eye that took over 60 stitches to close and he was available for comment immediately following the win.

But that's normal for Lappy, who has quickly won over Flyer fan's hearts in his first season with the club.  On November 27, 2009, he went down to block a Jason Pominville slapper and the result was seven broken or missing teeth and over a hundred stitches (pictured above). Oh, but did I mention that he was on the ice for the next game?!?

Laperriere will do anything to help his team win and that's all Philadelphia fans really want; he is a blue-collar worker in a blue-collar town.  He has learned his lesson though. "I will wear a shield now,” he said. “That was my last warning. I will
wear one for the rest of my career."

All he cared about after the incident Thursday night was whether his eye was still there, "I want to see my kids grow up with two eyes."

This guy does nothing but work hard, kill huge penalties and leave everything he has out there on the ice, including blood and teeth.  Lappy was awarded both the Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award for illustrating the best character, dignity and respect for the sport both on
and off the ice and the Gene Hart Memorial Award for demonstrating the most heart throughout the season on the hockey club.

My hat goes off to Lappy for being one hell of a role player, a great character guy and a player who will do whatever he has to to ensure a victory.  Job well done, Lappy. This city loves you already.