Cornwall Ontario – Cornwall native Jason Lepine is coming home. The 29-year-old former Colts defenceman has signed with the River Kings.

“Jason is a good local kid and we’re thrilled to add a smooth, offensive defenceman to our lineup,” said General Manager Rick Lalonde, who was a busy man on Sunday at the Civic Complex.

Lepine has eight seasons of pro experience with stops in the CHL, SPHL, IHL, AHL and ECHL. He has also had stops overseas in the Czech Republic, Finland and Germany.

After the River Kings practice on Sunday, Lalonde and Co. signed another dozen players, among them veteran forward Steve Simoes, who will be returning for a third season in Cornwall.

“Simmer is a core player and has given so much to this hockey program,” said Lalonde. “We’re excited to have him back in the mix this season.”
Another former Colt, goaltender Pete Karvouniaris, has signed on with the team as a backup goaltender to veteran All-Star Loic Lacasse. Julien

Giroux, an impressive 21-year-old from St. Eustache, has also signed in goal.

Cornwall fans will soon be familiar with 23-year-old defenceman Mathieu Leduc, who signed on Sunday. Leduc, from Valleyfield, played for the University of Ottawa last season. The 6-foot-1, 200 lb. blueliner compiled 4 goals and 13 assists for 17 points in 28 games.

Lalonde is also excited about several young additions up front, including Julien Houle, Patrick Langlois and Antony Courcelles. Houle, 21, scored 40 goals and added 52 assists for 92 points in only 49 games last season with the Princeville Titans (Quebec AAA).

Up front, the River Kings have signed super pests Dominic McSween and Anthony Pittarelli.

With 28 players now under contract, owner Brock Frost is a happy man.

“I couldn’t be happier with the decisions we have made with our roster,” said Frost. “Our team is quick, strong and fits perfectly into our business strategy moving forward,” he said.

The following players have officially signed with Cornwall:

FORWARDS: J.P. Caron, Chris Cloutier, Nicolas Corbeil, Julien Corriveau, Antony Courcelles, Pierre-Luc Faubert, Julien Houle, Patrick Langlois, Francis Lessard, Dominic McSween, Anthony Mezzagno, Nick Pitsikoulis, Anthony Pittarelli, Steve Simoes

DEFENCE: Doug Andress, Dominic D’Amour, Jonathan Jasper, Mario Joly, Mathieu Leduc, Jason Lepine, Nik Pokulok, Sasha Pokulok, Michael Pregent, Ryan Sullivan.

NOTE: Brennan Barker has come to terms with the team as well.

GOALTENDERS: Julien Giroux, Pete Karvouniaris, Loic Lacasse