CORNWALL – The River Kings hit the road tonight as the LNAH kicks off its 18th season. Cornwall visits Saint-Georges for an 8 p.m. start.
The team of Steve Simoes (head coach), Al Wagar (general manager) and Wayne Veary (assistant GM) have put together an impressive roster in a short amount of time. In fact, six more players have come to terms with the River Kings: Pat Kavanagh, Alexandre Moisan, Dominic Chiasson, Steve McJannett, Olivier Filion and Samuel Drouin.
Kavanagh brings plenty of experience to the organization. The Ottawa native was a second-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1997. The 34-year-old has spent the last seven seasons overseas. Kavanagh played in 14 NHL games with Vancouver and Philadelphia. He has also had pro stops in the AHL and IHL. Last season in Italy, he had 14 goals and 23 assists in 41 games for Val Pusteria HC.
At 6-foot-6 and 215 lbs., Moisan brings more size and toughness to the blueline. The 23-year-old from Dobeau, Qc is a former member of the CCHL’s Nepean Raiders.
Chiasson and McJannett, acquired last month in the trade that sent Olivier Proulx to Valleyfield, also came to terms with the team. Last season in Sorel, the 36-year-old Chiasson scored 17 goals and 17 assists in 39 games. McJannett, 31, officially returns to Cornwall where he scored five goals and seven assists in 25 games last season.
The 31-year-old Filion adds skill up the middle. Last season with Trois-Rivières, the Montreal native had four goals and 19 assists in 35 games. Filion was recently acquired from Trois-Rivières alongside enforcer Chris Cloutier.
Drouin, 25, played in nine games for the River Kings last season, scoring one goal. In 2011-12 he suited up for Sorel-Tracy.
SATURDAY FUN DAY
River Kings players, including Loic Lacasse, Chris Cloutier, Jonathan Jasper and more, will be on hand this Saturday at Shoeless Joes for a fun-filled afternoon. There will be plenty of activities for kids of all ages, including a dunk tank and the opportunity to take a shot on Lacasse! There will be ticket and merchandise giveaways as well. The festivities will take place from 2-5 p.m.