
Lappy Gets a Contract Extension
Inbox:
Allentown, PA – The Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Philadelphia Flyers have announced that Ian Laperrière has signed a two-year contract extension as head coach of the Phantoms through the 2025-26 season.
Laperrière, 50, has been head coach of the Phantoms for three seasons and has been part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization for 15 years beginning as a player in 2009-10. The former NHL veteran player of 1,083 games has been vital in developing Philadelphia’s prospects in the American Hockey League preparing them to play at the top level in the world with the Flyers. Some of the Phantoms products who have been molded by Laperrière’s guidance and leadership include Tyson Foerster, Bobby Brink, Cam York, Egor Zamula, Sam Ersson and more.
“I love what I do!” Laperrière said. “I love to work with those young guys. I want to stay here and we talked and I told them I don’t want to go anywhere. I like to help the Flyers get better by working with those kids and making sure they’re ready when they get called up.”
Following his retirement, Laperrière began his post-playing career with a stint as the Philadelphia Flyers’ Director of Player Development in 2012-13. Laperrière joined the bench as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers beginning an eight-year stretch on the team’s coaching staff in 2013-14. “Lappy” joined Lehigh Valley as the team’s new head coach for the 2021-22 season and has been at the helm for 220 Phantoms games recording a head coaching record of 98-92-30.
Yeah listen, Lappy has a key job here. We’re in the New Era of Orange and need the kids to develop in the Lehigh Valley. Get ’em ready for the National Hockey League. If they come to the Flyers with even 10% of Lappy’s the grit and guts, then we’re looking good. Just have them lay off taking slap shots to the face. We need them on the ice.