Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere is hoping to lead the younger guys for Lehigh Valley.
Many Flyers prospects won't have to get to know their "new" head coach at AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley.
A familiar face and voice will be behind the bench for the Phantoms as Ian Laperriere on Sunday night was officially named Lehigh Valley's next head coach.
The 47-year-old Laperriere had been an assistant coach with the Flyers over the last eight seasons. After playing for the Flyers in 2009-10 and finishing his NHL career with 1,082 games played, Laperriere joined the club's staff in June 2012 as director of player development and became an assistant coach in October 2013.
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"I'm very excited for this next challenge in my career and I would like to thank Chuck Fletcher, Brent Flahr and Barry Hanrahan, as well as Jim and Rob Brooks (Phantoms co-owners) for this opportunity," Laperriere said in a statement released by the team. "The Phantoms are a first-class organization in the AHL and the fan base in Lehigh Valley is the very best at showing their support at every game. I look forward to developing the players in our system, helping the Flyers reach their goals by continuing the success of the Phantoms and building towards winning a Calder Cup championship."
In May, the Flyers and previous Phantoms head coach Scott Gordon mutually agreed to part ways. In a related move, Phantoms assistant coach Kerry Huffman decided to step down from his role. Fletcher and Laperriere will address the media Monday at approximately 10:40 a.m. ET, so we'll learn more then about possible assistants and any other organizational role changes.
More: As Laperriere's time arrives, more to come for Flyers and Phantoms
Prior to the hiring of assistant coach Mike Yeo in May 2019, Laperriere was in charge of the Flyers' penalty kill. Over the past two seasons, his focus shifted to pre-scouting and various other responsibilities.
NHL
Laperriere has been known to be a good buffer between the players and head coach/management, going back to 2012 when he first came on board. He relates well with the players and works well with those above him, which made him a quality candidate to be the club's next AHL affiliate head coach. There's a reason why he has stayed in the organization through a regime change. Younger players, in particular, have valued his experience and personableness.
"We're very happy to have Ian serve as the next head coach of the Phantoms," Fletcher said in a statement released by the team. "He has been an extremely dedicated individual to the Flyers organization and has shown a strong work ethic as a player, development coach and an assistant over the last 12 years for us. We are excited to have him at the forefront of developing our prospects, preparing them to reach the NHL and bringing success to Lehigh Valley."
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