Two Lakers sign pro contracts

Lake Superior State University saw a pair of members of the Lakers hockey program sign professional contracts earlier this week.

Forward Mike Adamek and defenceman Mark Adamek have signed with the Stockton Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not released.

"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 Thunder Chris Cichocki in a release. "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."

Both are natives of Hollister, California and were seniors on the Lakers 2005-06 hockey team. After leaving Lake State, 25-year-old Mike finished last season with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads while 24-year-old Mark finished the year with the San Diego Gulls.

Both players had originally signed with the Gulls for the 2006-07 season but after the team suspended their membership with the ECHL, the two brothers were granted free agency.

“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.”

“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.”

The Thunder are affiliated with the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes and the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage. The Thunder had the ECHL’s highest attendance total at 228,364 in their inaugural season last winter.

The Adameks join Jon Booras, who signed with the ECHL’s Dayton Bombers, as players from last winter’s Lakers roster who have signed ECHL contracts this summer.