Laperriere named Lake Erie assistant coach

lem07_250.jpgThe Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today the appointment of Dan Laperriere as assistant coach of the Lake Erie Monsters, the team’s American Hockey League affiliate.

Laperriere, 40, spent the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons as a player/assistant coach for the Central Hockey League’s Arizona Sundogs before retiring and moving into a full-time assistant coaching role for the 2008-09 campaign.

“As a former defenseman, Dan played at a high level, and we look forward to having him coach our defensive prospects,” said Lake Erie head coach David Quinn.

A native of Laval, Que., Laperriere was St. Louis’ fourth selection (fifth round, 93rd overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. The defenseman played four seasons at St. Lawrence University and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award during his senior campaign. Laperriere began his professional career during the 1992-93 season, skating with the Peoria Rivermen of the International Hockey League. That same year, he made his NHL debut by appearing in five games for the Blues.

Laperriere spent parts of two seasons in the AHL from 1995-97, appearing in 84 games for Prince Edward Island and Portland. The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jacques Laperriere, Dan appeared in 48 NHL games over four seasons with St. Louis and Ottawa, totaling two goals and five assists.