Cornwall Ontario – The Cornwall Nationals of the Federal Hockey League have added some grit and muscle to their blueline.

General manager Basem Awwad has come to terms with the rugged Chris Cloutier.

“Chris will certainly bring the excitement and grit that we need,” said Awwad.

Cloutier was a fan-favourite during his time with the LNAH’s Cornwall River Kings from 2013-15.

In 350 career games in the LNAH, Cloutier has amassed 2,528 penalty minutes. He appeared in 50 games for the River Kings, picking up 355 penalty minutes.

“We all know how much Chris loves to be out there in the community promoting the team and meeting the fans,” said team president Rodney Rivette. “Chris fits right in to the new direction of the team, on and off the ice.”

The 33-year-old defenceman is expected to be in the lineup this weekend.

Cornwall visits Watertown tonight in a rescheduled game by the league. The Nationals are in Berlin Saturday night and back in Watertown on Monday evening.

The Nationals are back on home ice Saturday, Jan. 21 when the Watertown Wolves visit the Civic Complex.

Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors/students and $5 for children under the age of 12.