KARMANOS' WHALERS STILL STRUGGLING AT THE GATE

     Peter Karmanos' purchase of the Whalers last year
"dissipated the cloud of uncertainty that had hung over the
franchise" since it's entry into the league in 1979.  While
Karmanos, a Detroit "computer tycoon," has giving the team stable
ownership, it doesn't mean the "city of insurance people has
suddenly clasped this team to its collective bosom."  After five
home games, the Whalers are averaging just 10,741 fans per game,
but team officials are not "wringing their hands just yet," or
even "crying about their lease."  GM Jim Rutherford: "It was
something I hoped would change.  But being realistic, we know
we've got a lot of work to do here."  When he bought the team,
Karmanos pledged to keep the team in Hartford for four years
(David Shoalts, Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 2/9).
     TO HELL AND BACK:  Brian Foley, who has put up $750,000 to
operate the CBA's Harvard Hellcats said the league has scheduled
a conference call today to vote on his offer to "revive" the
team.  Foley said his "best guess" is that league owners will
vote in favor of having the Hellcats return to play next season.
He said his "first prerogative is for the team come back this
season," but that he is "committed to this franchise for the long
term" (Roy Hasty, HARTFORD COURANT, 2/9).