River Kings acquire pair of forwards from Marquis

Article by Rodney Wilson | Submitted Photo

Cornwall Ontario – Ahead of this Saturday’s LNAH draft, the River Kings have dealt their second overall pick to the Jonquiere Marquis.

Cornwall has acquired power forward Olivier Croteau and forward Jeremy Vigneault-Belanger, as well as three draft picks – Jonquiere’s 8th, 16th and 33rd overall selections.

In exchange, the River Kings send the Marquis their second overall pick and the rights to Sefan Chaput, who played two games for the River Kings in 2013-14. Cornwall still holds the first overall pick.

“Croteau is a player I’ve coveted for some time now; he’s a big, physical power forward that we really needed,” said general manager Rick Lalonde. “And Vigneault-Belanger puts up points wherever he plays; he will definitely help our offence in 2016-17.”

Meanwhile, head coach and assistant general manager Bob Desjardins knows both players well.

“I’m very happy with this deal as we once again acquire good character players who will fit in nicely with our team,” said Desjardins. “We worked really hard on this deal and on top of adding two good players, we get three more draft picks as well.”

The 24-year-old Croteau, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 190 lbs., had 12 points and 110 penalty minutes in 29 games for Jonquiere last season.

In 37 games split between Saint-Georges and Jonquiere last season, Vigneault-Belanger had 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points. He had 58 points two seasons ago with the Cool FM.

“I know exactly what he brings to a hockey club,” said Desjardins, who has coached Vigneault-Belanger since he was 19 years old. “He’s a point-per-game player who will help our power play as well.”

The annual LNAH draft will be held on Saturday, June 18 at Sorel-Tracy.