Flyers name Ian Laperriere advisor to hockey operations

The Philadelphia Flyers announced Tuesday that Ian Laperriere will rejoin the organization, being named an advisor to hockey operations.

According to a Flyers press release, “Laperriere will transition from his previous role as head coach of the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and serve as an advisor to (General Manager Daniel) Briere and President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones.”

“I want to thank Ian for his tireless work in Lehigh Valley for the last four seasons,” said Briere. “He not only led the Phantoms in a return to the playoffs, but provided crucial development to several of our prospects. I am excited to welcome him back to the Flyers so he can continue to provide his insight in helping our team as we enter the next phase of the rebuild.”

The team added that they will begin the search for a new head coach for their AHL affiliate.

Laperriere spent the last four seasons as head coach of the Phantoms, making the playoffs in three of those years. This past spring, they were eliminated in five games by the Hershey Bears.

Before joining Lehigh Valley, Laperriere spent parts of nine seasons as an assistant coach for Philadelphia.

As a player, the 51-year-old Laperriere spent 16 seasons in the NHL, playing 1,083 games and scoring 121 goals and 215 assists for 336 points and 1,956 penalty minutes with the Flyers, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.

Laperriere also played in 67 Stanley Cup Playoff games, scoring three goals and 10 assists for 13 points. He was part of the Flyers’ 2010 Stanley Cup Final run, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks.