Tag: LNAH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cornwall, Ontario

Earlier this afternoon, word sprang across social media that the Cornwall River Kings were in the midst of a trade. The fan page from the Marquis de Jonquiere let it slip that the River Kings were dealing goaltender Frederic Piche to the Marquis de Jonquiere in exchange for Bobby Mazerolle and Ahmed Mahfouz.

After speaking with owner David Small and coach Steve Simoes, it did turn out there was truth to the rumor. When asked about the talent that Cornwall was getting back in return, Simoes had nothing but good things to say.

“We are excited on having made this trade today. Bobby Mazerolle is a good gritty player that has a championship pedigree. He is a fierce competitor, team player and has good finish in the offensive zone. I’ve had the opportunity of playing with this guy and he fits into what we’re trying to build here. He has been integral parts of two winning franchises in the last few years.

Ahmed Mahfouz doesn’t need any introduction. He is a complete player that is rough around the edges and will add a little spice to our line-up down the road. We would only hope to have him come to Cornwall and hopefully we can welcome him someday.” – Coach, Steve Simoes

On the other hand, owner David Small was sad to let Piche go as he was a fan favourite and a valuable part of the River Kings inaugural season.

 “We are excited for Fred Piche and thankful for his services with us. A great team player and helped us when we needed him. This move will allow him to get closer to home and play more. We wish him the best (just not against us!) He send everyone in Cornwall a special goodbye. The hockey staff is constantly working at trying to improve this team and this is the first step.”

The future is bright for the Cornwall River Kings as they finally head into training camp tomorrow, Sunday September 15th at the Cornwall Civic Complex. Camp will take place between 1 and 4pm.

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It’s all over. All the drama of the past 6 months is finally swept under the rug. The Cornwall River Kings are staying in Cornwall.

An investors group comprised of David Small, Gokan Karakus and Cory Linthorne are your new River Kings owners. It was a hard fought battle to come up with a plan in less than 24 hours but these 3 gentleman pulled it off and wowed Michel Godin, the Commissioner of the LNAH.

“A marathon of negotiations and negotiations took place over the past 24 hours to complete this happy ending. Mr David Small, Gokan Karakus and Cory Linthorne (the new owners of River Kings) are welcome in the great family of the LNAH. Your efforts over the past few days will allow the City of Cornwall to continue this adventure in the LNAH. I hope that the entire region is behind you to show support.”

The new owners are also proud to bring back aboard a man who needs no introduction in Cornwall. Al Wagar will be back with the River Kings as the team’s General Manager. Also, captain Steve Simoes will be taking on the role of player/coach.

Adding to even more of the good news is the return of the logo from last year’s inaugural season. The River Kings came under fire when part way through this summer the decision was made to change the logo entirely. Ultimately this decision was scrapped with the new owners taking over.

More positive and exciting announcements within the River Kings front office (complete with some familiar faces) will be coming out in the next few days. The pressure isn’t over yet however. Cornwall now turns its attention over to their second LNAH training camp with only weeks to go before the start of the season.

Get our your horns Cornwall! GO KINGS GO!

I’ve taken a lot of time to reflect of the events that have transpired over the past week and refrained from commenting until now. In case you’re not aware, I’ll bring you up to speed.

The LNAH’s Cornwall River Kings is threatening to be put up for sale for anyone (including out of town buyers), as owner Bernie Villeneuve is no longer willing to finance the team. Reason being is the club is losing out on advertising rights from the Junior A Cornwall Colts who also share the ice inside the Ed Lumley Arena in the Cornwall Civic Complex.

Villeneuve held a press conference outside of city hall last Thursday detailing the ordeal and was actually going to sit outside of city hall until Monday night. If nothing is rectified, meaning an advertising deal or a new owner, the league will take over the team. The next day, Director of Hockey Operations, Rick Lapierre stepped down from his position. Many felt he was the one responsible for the players not willing to report to camp. Villeneuve has since vacated his spot.

Captain Steve Simoes ushered in the message for the fans:

“The players want to get back on the ice and start competing again. Many returning faces, a couple new faces, players drafted, players invited; everyone will have a fair shot to be seen, evaluated and fight for a spot on this team. The time has come to finally put all this “stuff” behind us and gel as a team. And by team, I mean everyone that is looking for hockey in Cornwall. I understand everyone’s hesitation and wanting to see the product first, but I do trust that we will have a competitive team, with a mix of skill and toughness, that is representative of the people of Cornwall. Due to the contractual agreements in place and certain situations, what will keep this team afloat are season ticket sales. With this certain revenue flow, potential owners will be able to gauge the risk of keeping this team here. Season tickets will average around $250 therefore, a commitment from the people of Cornwall is needed to get us back on track. If you know one person or a couple of people that would be interested in some season tickets, please do come forward and show your interest. It’s a guideline that is needed for future local investors. Thanks again, and the time has come to back each other up; on the ice and off the ice. So lets get this started and see you at training camp!!!”

This is not a city issue like some people are making it out to be. Mayor Kilger and the city of Cornwall have nothing to do with it. We all know Cornwall is a viable hockey market and teams can thrive. We’ve seen it with the Royals, the Aces, and the Comets. There is no doubt that the people of Cornwall can come together and be able to finance the team to intrigue investors. Hell, teams in the U.K. are funded solely on fans donations.

The River Kings aren’t dead. They’re just getting started.

For Immediate Release

Coach Bob Desjardins has announced the signing of fan favourite Francis Lessard to a one year deal with the Cornwall River Kings. Lessard, known for his tough fighting ability had 147 penalty minutes in last years inaugural season.

Lessard, a native of Montreal, Quebec was drafted in the 3rd round, 80th overall of the 1997 National Hockey League entry draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. He has played in 115 NHL games between the Atlanta Thrashers and Ottawa Senators and racked up a total of 346 penalty minutes.

“I’m very excited to be back for another year in Cornwall. The fans here are passionate and couldn’t be happier playing for them. Hopefully they’ll come out in droves this year and support us.” – Francis Lessard

When asked about the new addition of coach Bob Desjardins, Lessard had this to say, “I haven’t had the opportunity to play for Bob yet but I’m really looking forward to it. Friends of mine who have say he’s a player’s coach and knows how to get things done. He’s well respected in the league”. Along with signing the likes of Ryan Hand and Brett Angel, Lessard is happy that he won’t have all the dirty work put on him. “Signing guys like Hand and Angel are a positive for the team. A step in the right direction.”

Last season Lessard was featured in a viral video that hit the likes of TSN and RDS  in which he and Sebatien Laferriere tried to go head to head. Leferriere seemed a little too intimidated and both fighters remained at a stand still.

Just one more positive piece to the puzzle for the Cornwall River Kings as they get ready for training camp. Training camp opens up September 14th and 15th at the Ed Lumley Arena.

The news just keeps on rolling out for the Cornwall River Kings. After making the coaching change and welcoming fearless Robert Desjardins as bench boss, the Cornwall River Kings have announced another big change. The logo.

Adopting this season as one of “change” the River Kings are looking at this more modern logo as one of pride. The crown represents the King, being that of the fans. The fans are their kings and the ones they value the most.  That being said, here’s another thing fans will look forward too. Here’s a preliminary look at the roster of who’s signed and who has agreed verbally.

SIGNED: Ryan Jardine, Ryan Hand, Jonathan Jasper, Ian Boots, Mike Stacy, Chris Ayotte, Miguel Delisle, Brett Angel, Nick Romano, Anthony Pittarelli, Fred Piche, Casey Swamp, Ryan Sullivan

AGREED:  Nicolas Sigouin, Samuel Drouin, Patrick Lapostolle, Sebastien Payette, Yvan Busque, Karl Wittner, Josh Tordjman, Mathieu Wathier, Loic Lacasse, Pierre Luc Faubert, Nicolas Corbeil, Olivier Proux, Brennan Barker

With training camps around the corner, here is a good look of who could be lacing up the skates for your Cornwall River Kings this season.

(For Immediate Release)

There’s a new King in town.

Wasting no time in finding a replacement for the surprising leave of Jean Francois Labbe, the Cornwall River Kings announced today that they hired Robert Desjardins as their new head coach. Labbe left the team following a job offer near his hometown in Quebec.

Robert Desjardins is no stranger to the hockey world and to Quebec hockey in general. When it comes to coaching, Robert “Bob” Desjardins will bring leadership, character and hard work to the team. He already brings coaching experience having been the bench boss for the Marquis de Jonquiere and the former Saint Hyacinthe Chiefs of the LNAH.

Desjardins is a hockey man who has been around rinks a long time. He knows the business inside and out and will be able to provide the players the leadership and spark to ignite the team on the ice. After the long summer months of controversy, this could just be the thing the River Kings need.

Even more big changes are in store for the Cornwall River Kings as they enter their second LNAH season this September. This season is proving to be one of change, speed, and aggression. Be ready to rock the Ed Lumley Arena fans because this wild ride is just starting.

Already dealing with a blockbuster trade that sent one of their fan favourites in Mario Joly to the Valleyfield Braves, the Cornwall River Kings were dealt yet another blow today as it was announced that interim coach Jean Francois Labbe has resigned.

Labbe had signed on after original coach Al Wagar left the team earlier this year. After viewing his coaching abilities last year  with Trois Rivieres, Cornwall felt he was the right fit to lead the team. In a phone interview with Jean Doyon of Sorel Tracy Magazine, Labbe made this statement:

“Last week, I received an offer I could not refuse. I am responsible for a Sport-Études du Triolet High School in Sherbrooke. I’ll take care of the Bantam AA team, in addition to courses in hockey concentration. This is a full time job that will allow me to work in my area.”

You can’t really blame the guy for leaving. Yes, he would’ve been an integral help to Cornwall’s second LNAH season but a pay raise and a chance to work close to family is an offer that nobody in their right mind would turn down. This has nothing to do with internal politics.

Labbe has had enough time in the spotlight with a very lengthy goaltending career. After completing his junior years in the QMJHL he went on star in the AHL with the Cornwall Aces, Hartford Wolf Pack and Syracuse Crunch among others. He even had minor stints with the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets. With no North American teams calling his name, he headed over to Europe and played in the German Elite League and in Austria. Last season, Labbe started his coaching career in the LNAH with Trois Rivieres.

The hunt is on for the next coach of the Cornwall River King. They better have a few in mind as training camp and exhibition games are slated to get started soon.