November 15, 2008

Sundogs Retire Laperriere's Jersey

The Arizona Sundogs celebrated a special occasion on Friday night when they retired the #6 of Dan Laperriere, a former St. Lawrence standout. The defenseman helped lead the ‘Dogs to the Ray Miron President’s Cup Championship last season. Following the season he retired and assumed the role of Assistant Coach for Arizona.

Laperriere, 39, averaged nearly a point-per-game in his two seasons as a player with the Sundogs, tallying 108 points (29g/79a) and 68 penalty minutes (PIM) in 121 regular season games. In 31 playoff contests, the Laval, Quebec, native registered 31 points (7g/24a) and 12 PIM. During the 2007-08 campaign, Laperriere finished sixth in scoring among CHL defensemen with 51 points (18g/33a) in 61 appearances. His 18 goals were one shy of his career-high set during the 1994-95 season while with the Peoria Rivermen of the former International Hockey League. In the 2008 playoffs he helped guide the Sundogs to their first-ever CHL title, finishing second among defensemen and fifth overall with 18 points (3g/15a) in 17 games.

During the Sundogs inaugural season, the 6-foot, 200-pound blue-liner finished fifth among defensemen in scoring and set career-highs in both points (57) and assists (46).

Laperriere was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round (93rd overall) of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft after four years with St. Lawrence University of the NCAA. He was a Hobey Baker Finalist during his senior season at St. Lawrence and still holds records for most assists in a season (45) and career points (128), points in a season (53) and career assists (106) among defenseman at the university.

The son of NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Laperriere appeared in 48 NHL games over four seasons with the St. Louis Blues and Ottawa Senators, tallying two goals, five assists and 27 PIM. In 854 total professional games, Laperriere totaled 167 goals and 424 assists for 591 points and 409 PIM.

Laperriere’s jersey becomes the first in Sundogs franchise history to be retired. Former Sundogs radio broadcaster and FSN Arizona correspondent Robby Incmikoski will be on hand Friday night to host the pregame ceremony.