Ian Laperriere officially retires

[Coach Selly]

Philadelphia Flyers forward Ian Laperriere has retired from the NHL, more than two years after playing his last game.

More right here (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/ian-laperriere-officially-announces-retirement/article4254009/?cmpid=rss1)

[Coach Selly]

Ian Laperriere Retirement Transcript


Q: Philly wasn’t your longest stop in your career, but what does it mean to retire here?

“It was my shortest time here compared to the other teams I played for, but that’s probably one of my regrets, not having a chance to play longer than that in this great organization. I’m just glad I had a chance to wear the orange and black. It’s something I would have missed, just to play for a team that cares so much about their fans and cares so much about their players. I’m not saying that everywhere else I played, they didn’t care about their players, but nothing compared to what the Flyers are.

Check out the rest right here (http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=634563)

[Assistant Coach Rocca]

It's really too bad that a player like Laperriere can't go out on his own terms. Definitely do not like to see a career end like this.

That being said, professional athletes have to look out for their own health, well-being and family, just like anyone else. Best of luck to Ian in retirement. Hopefully we will see him back in the game in a new capacity. Perhaps something along the lines of what Craig Conroy is doing in Calgary?