The New York Islanders have quietly strengthened their scouting department by bringing in a veteran of the NHL grind: Ian Laperriere, a rugged former forward with a reputation for determination and hockey IQ.
First reported by Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff, Laperriere joins the Islanders as a professional scout after guiding the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL for the past four seasons. The 51-year-old led the Phantoms to the playoffs three times in four years. His coaching stint in Pennsylvania followed a lengthy tenure as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he spent nine seasons shaping their systems and working with young talent.