Avalanche Sign Laperriere to One-Year Extension

[BGDDYKWL]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed forward Ian Laperriere to a one-year contract extension for the 2008-09 season.

“Ian has been an instrumental part of this club’s success on and off the ice,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. “As an assistant captain, he provides a strong quality of leadership to our team.”

Laperriere, 33, is coming off a 29-point season (8g/21a) a year ago, his second-best point tally behind his first season in Colorado when he recorded career-highs in goals (21), assists (24) and points (45). During the 2006-07 campaign, Laperriere led all Avs forwards in hits (85) while leading the club in fighting majors (17), tied for second in the NHL. During his two year stint in Colorado, Laperriere has missed only one game.

Laperriere was selected by his teammates as a nominee for the King Clancy Award last season.

[NJDevils17]

Great signing by the Avs. I love this guy. He's great leader and a great teammate and he can also contribute offensively and defensively. He stands up for his teammates and will fight anyone even if they are a lot bigger. Every team should have a guy like Ian Laperriere.

[Flames_Suck44]

Too bad the Oilers don't have Winchester to hand Lappy a third beating! Souray can take care of that...

Lappy was about the only guy an Oiler could manage to edge last year! (plus Komisarek, but nobody likes him!)

[Isles4life]

Good for Lappy. He's a great guy to have on your team, and the mouth on him is always going. It's good to see Colorado appreciates having him on their roster.

[Colt Seavers]

Here's to Lappy repeating his 17 FMs and 133 PIM performance for this season! By the way, keep staying healthy also! He's on a roll!

Great keep for Colorado. The perfect player, especially for fans of the physcal brand of hockey! The guy stands up for teammates, fights better than average for a MW, can put up some dandy numbers, and he is most likely a great lockerroom influence.

[JKidd]

What a guy to have on your team. Never backs down from anyone, will fight for any teammate, is a heart and soul leader - and can play the game.

I remember him being the only Av last year to get in Boogaards face after Boogs rocked an Av (I think it was Skrastins) - giving up 70 lbs and about 6-9 inches, - he still got in Boogaards face for a teammate - talk about a guy you want on your team.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Good deal Im happy he is staying with the team I just wish they would have signed him to more then 1 year.

[forsberg21]

Originally Posted by jkidd

What a guy to have on your team. Never backs down from anyone, will fight for any teammate, is a heart and soul leader - and can play the game.

I remember him being the only Av last year to get in Boogaards face after Boogs rocked an Av (I think it was Skrastins) - giving up 70 lbs and about 6-9 inches, - he still got in Boogaards face for a teammate - talk about a guy you want on your team.

I remember that, Only lappy would give up that much for a teammate.

He's been such an important part of this team, im very happy to have him back for another year.

[cod]

I wish that he would come back to the blues.

[bupz91]

yes i love laperriere, he was like the only thing physical about the avalanche last year

[Juha82]

Great, solid signing.

[DaveBrown69]

Gotta love a guy that got the first and last fighting major of the regular season!

[Scott4]

Originally Posted by jkidd

What a guy to have on your team. Never backs down from anyone, will fight for any teammate, is a heart and soul leader - and can play the game.

I remember him being the only Av last year to get in Boogaards face after Boogs rocked an Av (I think it was Skrastins) - giving up 70 lbs and about 6-9 inches, - he still got in Boogaards face for a teammate - talk about a guy you want on your team.

Yeah..i remember that..pretty fuc*ing great move! Colorado needs healthyScott Parker on the roster. And for sure..super sign .