Cornwall Ontario – Rick Lalonde has added some size and toughness to the River Kings lineup.

Cornwall has shipped forwards Nicolas Corbeil and Anthony Pittarelli along with the unsigned Ryan Hand to the Thetford-Mines Isothermic in exchange for enforcer Philippe Pépin, forward André Sandrzyk and a draft pick.

In five games with the Isothermic, Pépin has four fighting majors.

“He’s a tough kid and the fans will love him,” said Lalonde of the 23-year-old from Quebec City. “He’s solid and not afraid of anybody in this league.”

Pépin brings much-needed support to the lineup for Francis Lessard, particularly with Chris Cloutier currently sidelined due to injury. And Lalonde isn’t done yet.

“I’m continuing to work the phones with the hopes of adding another tough guy.”

Sandrzyk has 9 points (5 goals and 4 assists) in 15 games this season. Last year, he had 30 points (11-19) in 40 games for Thetford-Mines.

“Sandrzyk is good around the net and he can finish,” said Lalonde of the 32-year-old who is in his seventh year in the LNAH. He scored 34 goals in 2011-12 and 22 more in 2012-13.

As for Corbeil and Pittarelli, it was simply time to move on. “These guys, more than anything, needed a change of scenery,” said Lalonde.

The River Kings also receive Thetford-Mines’ 6th round pick at the LNAH 2015 draft. If Hand, who never suited up for Cornwall, signs with the Isothermic, the pick is upgraded to a 3rd rounder.

Both Pépin and Sandrzyk are expected to be in the lineup this weekend for Cornwall.