The Adamek brothers both graduated from Lake Superior State University in the spring and then played a handful of games for separate ECHL franchises. Unrestricted free agents this off-season, they were pleased to have the opportunity to head back to Northern California as teammates.

"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, 25, who makes his home in Michigan.

Added Mark, 24, who is spending his summer in Hollister: "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."

The Stockton Thunder, the AA affiliate of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, did not release terms of the contracts, per club policy.

After spending their early childhood years in the San Diego area, the brothers moved with their family to Hollister, where their parents still reside. Following one year at San Benito High, Mike and Mark headed to Vail, Colo. for midget hockey and later to the Midwest for junior hockey.

Mike began his professional career with the Idaho Steelheads in 2005-06, notching three goals and three assists in 13 games, to go with 12 penalty minutes. The 6-3, 200-pound forward compiled 30 points (10g-20a) in his four-year collegiate career, garnering 77 penalty minutes in 120 games for the Lakers.

Mark, a 6-4, 213-pound defenseman, made his professional debut with the San Diego Gulls late in the 2005-06 season, registering two assists in 11 games. At Lake Superior State University, he tallied 13 points (0g-13a) in 120 career games, along with 77 penalty minutes.

Stockton head coach Chris Cichocki said his team was thrilled to welcome the Adameks to the second-year franchise.

"Mark brings a physical presence to our blueline, while Mike is a power forward who likes to get to the front of the net," Cichocki said. "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."

Another person extremely grateful to see the brothers play much closer to home is their father, Mark.

"I missed everything when they left home. . . . It's killed me to miss so many games the last 6-10 years," said the brothers' father, who remained in Hollister when the rest of the family moved to Colorado. "Now that they're going to be so close to home, I won't miss a game."

Reached Tuesday night, the younger Mark said he was thrilled his dad and others will have only a short trek to make to catch the action.

"It's so nice to be back here, playing close to home by my family and friends," said Mark, who is working out and waiting tables at The Vault this summer. "Most of my friends haven't even seen me play. It should be really, really fun. I'm real excited."

The Adameks report to training camp Oct. 2. The Thunder's 2006-07 season begins Oct. 20 with a road contest at the Bakersfield Condors and the team plays the Long Beach Ice Dogs in its home opener Oct. 28 at Stockton Arena.

Contact Scott Campbell at scampbell@freelancenews.com.

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