SARAULT AND BOURRET BACK WITH CORNWALL RIVER KINGS

Cornwall Ontario — The River Kings have added two very important pieces to the puzzle.

Veterans Yves Sarault and Alex Bourret have come to terms with the team.

Co-owner David Small couldn’t be happier with the new additions. “We are doing everything possible to go over and above the fan’s expectations,” said Small.

“These guys will help guide some of the younger players in the right direction.”

Sarault had four goals and 15 assists in 22 games for the River Kings in 2012-13. His leadership skills are undeniable, but Sarault’s calming presence on the blueline doesn’t hurt either – he is after all entering his 22nd year as a pro. The 40-year-old was a draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens back in 1991.

Sarault, who is a coach at the Ontario Hockey Academy in Cornwall, was also an assistant for Team Canada at the under-18 world championship in Sochi, Russia last year.

Bourret suited up in 31 games for the River Kings last season, scoring 12 goals and 20 assists. The gritty forward also had 58 penalty minutes. Bourret, who turns 27 on Saturday, is a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers.

Bourret was a sparkplug for Cornwall last season and he may be best remembered by local fans for his devastating hit on Saint-Georges defenceman Louis-Philippe Lachance in last year’s playoffs.

The River Kings’ pre-season wraps up this weekend with a home-and-home against the expansion Valleyfield Braves. Cornwall makes the short drive to Valleyfield on Friday night (8 p.m.) and the two teams meet again the following evening at the Ed Lumley Arena (7:30 p.m.).