Bruising forward Ian Laperriere was ready to play Tuesday but he will have to wait until the start of next season to skate for the Flyers.
One could sense a hint of enthusiasm from usually-stern Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren as he introduced the newest Flyer to the media.
“Ian’s a player that I’ve coveted for a long time,” said Holmgren.
The Flyers added the Laperriere on July 1. He fulled the team's needs for a veteran winger and a character player -- traits that should impact the younger players.
Holmgren also stressed that Laperriere’s style of play will surely appeal to Philadelphia hockey fans.
“The best way I can sum up Ian [Laperriere] and what he brings to our team is that he comes to play,” Holmgren said.
The 35-year-old Montreal-native doesn't bring much scoring to the team having only 316 points in 15 seasons in the NHL. But, he does bring energy and leadership.
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Laperriere didn’t hold back his excitement to be a Flyer either.
“I’m excited. When they called I told my agent that’s where I want to go, and today I am here,” Laperriere spoke from the podium.
Laperriere not only brings a physical presence to the ice, but will also help out immensely on the power play.
“That’s what I do -- I kill penalties and I’ll be on the physical side for sure,” he said.
Laperriere also expressed his optimism for the future of the Flyers organization.
“When they go get [Chris] Pronger and Ray Emery, and with the team they already have right now, it just shows you that they want to win the cup.”
Laperriere should help get them even closer.
