OCEAN CITY – Ocean City will host its 86th Annual Night in Venice Boat Parade on Saturday, July 16th at 7:30 pm. Special guest and Grand Marshal of the Parade will be Philadelphia Flyers popular forward, Ian Laperriere.
Laperriere recently received the National Hockey League’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy which is awarded “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
The 37 year old Flyers forward began his career with Philadelphia in the 2009-2010 season. It was during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs that Laperriere suffered a likely career ending injury when he blocked a shot with his face against New Jersey and suffered a concussion and a fractured orbital bone.
A release issued by the Flyers organization indicates he returned a little more than a month later to finish the Flyers’ playoff run that ended two games short of a championship. Laperriere attempted to return for the 2010-11 season in training camp, but could not overcome his concussion-related symptoms and spent the season on the long-term injury list. Nevertheless, he has continued to serve the Flyers in several capacities, particularly as a mentor for young players in the organization.
Laperriere’s 2009-2010 career highlights include: Recipient of the Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award presented annually to the Flyer who best illustrates character, dignity and respect for the sport both on and off the ice by the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and recipient of the Gene Hart Memorial Award, given to the player who demonstrated the most “Heart” during the season as voted on by members of the Fan Club at their monthly meetings.
Finished second on the team in penalty minutes (162)… Recorded his 200th career NHL fight at Atlanta on 3/20 (vs. Eric Boulton)… Had a “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” vs. Dallas on 1/12… Had 30 penalty minutes vs. Florida on 12/21, including 3 fighting majors. Played in all six games of the Stanley Cup Final vs. Chicago… returned to the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals vs. Montreal after missing a month following an injury suffered when he took a puck to the face against New Jersey in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals… Had one assist in the ECQF against the Devils, coming in Game 1 on the game-winning goal.
The City of Ocean City is honored to have Ian Laperriere and his family participate in the Night in Venice Celebration, one of the City’s oldest and most popular family summer traditions. For more information about the Night in Venice Boat Parade and weekend activities, please visit www.ocnj.us or call 609-525-9300.
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