Several Lakers sign pro contracts

NEWS RELEASE

STOCKTON THUNDER HOCKEY CLUB

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Playing professionally as teammates is a dream come true

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder has agreed to terms with forward Mike Adamek and defenseman Mark Adamek, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

"Mark brings a physical presence to our blueline while Mike is a power forward who likes to get to the front of the net," said Cichocki. "They both add a great amount of size to our lineup, so I'm looking forward to seeing them contribute throughout the season for the Thunder. In addition, the organization is excited to have two brothers from the Northern California region." A native each of Hollister, California, Mike and Mark Adamek recently finished up their collegiate hockey-playing and academic tenures at Lake Superior State University (NCAA), which has produced National Hockey League veterans Doug Weight (St. Louis Blues), Brian Rolston (Minnesota Wild) and John Grahame (Carolina Hurricanes). Following professional career-opening stints in the ECHL in 2005-06, both Mike and Mark were originally signed as free agents by the San Diego Gulls on May 4, shortly before the Gulls voluntarily ended ECHL membership, which granted both Adamek brothers unrestricted free agency.

Mike Adamek, 25, made his professional debut with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads late in the 2005-06 season, posting six points (3g-3a) in 13 games, along with 12 penalty minutes. Previously, Mike compiled 30 points (10g-20a) and 79 penalty minutes in 92 games during a four-year (2002-06) collegiate hockey career with the Lakers. "I really wanted to be able to play in California and close to my family, so playing with my brother is an absolute bonus," said Mike. "After talking with Coach Cichocki, I figured Stockton would be a great place to start my first full-season in my professional career. I've heard the rink is beautiful; plus to play in front of a crowd that draws 8,000 is really something to look forward to."

Mark Adamek, 24, originally started his professional career with the San Diego Gulls (ECHL) in 2005-06, garnering two assists in 11 games. Mark originally spent four years (2002-06) of collegiate hockey with the Lakers, tallying 13 points (0g-13a) in 120 career games, along with 77 penalty minutes.

"When I was with San Diego, I discovered that Chris Cichocki energizes this team with a lot of hard work and I'm looking forward to being a part of a team that is on the rise," said Mark. "Playing with my brother again is a dream come true. We're best friends, we play well together, and we're glad this deal worked out together naturally."

Details on Thunder 2006 training camp information will be announced soon. The Thunder begins the 2006-07 ECHL season Friday, October 20 on the road against the Bakersfield Condors, and faces the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. PT in the home opener at Stockton Arena.

An ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes and American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage, the Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06. Thunder season tickets for the 2006-07 season are on-sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

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NEWS RELEASE

DAYTON BOMBERS HOCKEY CLUB

Former Laker forward hopes to be a solid two-way player in ECHL

DAYTON, Ohio - Head Coach and General Manager Don MacAdam announced today that the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL have signed forward Jon Booras.

"Jon Booras is a versatile guy, he can play as a center or a winger," said MacAdam. "He will be a solid two-way player for us this season."

After completing his collegiate hockey career at Lake Superior State University last season, Booras joined the Muskegon Fury of the United Hockey League.

"I chose to play at a high level to move up through the ranks," said Booras. "I know that Coach MacAdam and the Bombers have a great reputation for moving players up to the American Hockey League. I wanted to come to Dayton to work on my game and I feel like the Bombers style of play will allow me to do that."

Booras, a 5'11", 180-pound native of Billings, Mont., appeared in 135 games with Lake Superior State, scoring 51 points (23G, 28A) and accumulating 75 penalty minutes. Prior to playing college hockey, Booras spent two years in the United States Hockey League between the Sioux Falls Stampede and the Topeka Scarecrows. Over the course of those two seasons, he appeared in 115 games, scored 54 points (21G, 33A) and accumulated 64 penalty minutes. Booras also played in four playoff games with the Stampede during the 2000-2001 season.

When asked what the fans in Dayton can expect to see from him, Booras stated: "My strengths are my speed and my ability to use my hockey sense and see the ice well. I love to score and play offense, but I respect the defensive side of the game and consider myself a solid two-way player."

Booras becomes the eighth player to sign or re-sign with the Bombers for the 2006-2007 season, joining the likes of Marco Caprara, Greg Labenski, David Currie, Paul Kelly, Preston Briggs, Andy Cote and Dan Knapp.

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NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Peterson helps lead USA Inline team to gold medal

SAULT STE. MARIE - Former Lake Superior State hockey players Alex Dunn and Jason Sessa have signed professional contracts, and former Laker Chris Peterson recently led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2006 International Ice Hockey Federation InLine Hockey World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Peterson, who has played for the U.S. InLine National Team since 2004, totaled four goals and two assists during the 2006 World Championships, which were held July 10-16. He scored two goals in a 6-0 victory over defending gold medalist Sweden on July 16. It was the first time in the history of the tournament that the gold medal was decided by a shutout.

Peterson also helped Team USA win a gold medal in 2004 and a bronze in 2005.

Sessa, who played at LSSU from 1995-98, signed with the Memphis RiverKings of the Central Hockey League. The Long Island, N.Y., native has 481 games of professional experience. Last season he played 14 games with the Long Beach Ice Dogs (ECHL) and 54 games with the Elmira Jackals (USHL), accumulating 23 goals and 36 assists.

"I have been all over the place," Sessa said. "That is the aspect of hockey that I love. You can go different places and meet different people. Signing with Memphis gives me a chance to see another area of the country, as well as to play for a great organization."

Dunn, a 2006 LSSU graduate, has signed with the CHL's Odessa Jackalopes. At the conclusion of last season, he played nine games with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads.

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(With files from the Lake Superior State University Sports Information Department)