PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – The Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League, in conjunction with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, announced that former player and assistant coach Dan Laperriere, a former St. Lawrence standout, has been named assistant coach of Colorado’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters in Cleveland, Ohio.

“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.

Laperriere helped guide the Sundogs to a 27-32-5 record last season, his first stint as a full-time assistant coach, including a season-long six-game win streak from Dec. 26-Jan. 6.

“I would like to thank the entire Sundogs organization for everything they have afforded me during my three-plus seasons in Arizona,” said Laperriere. “My time here has been nothing short of spectacular. Joining the Lake Erie staff is a huge opportunity for me in my coaching career and one I am very much looking forward to. I would also like to thank the fans who made my time as a player, assistant coach and resident very special. I will miss my time here and wish the Sundogs and their fans nothing but success in the seasons to come.”

Laperriere, 40, averaged nearly a point-per-game in his two seasons as a player/assistant coach 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).

“I’m extremely happy for Lappy and his opportunity to become an assistant coach at the American Hockey League level,” said Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro. “It’s been a pleasure working with him as both a player and coach here in Arizona and I wish him nothing but the best as he moves on with his coaching career.”

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, Dan appeared in 48 NHL games over four seasons with St. Louis and the Ottawa Senators, tallying two goals, five assists and 27 PIM. In 854 games as a pro, Laperriere totaled 167 goals and 424 assists for 591 points and 409 PIM.