IN-LINE STOCK A TOUGH PICK FOR INVESTORS

     Although in-line skating "is one of the fastest growing
sports," it is "not an easy play for investors," according to
this morning's N.Y. TIMES.  Rollerblade, the industry market
leader, is a private company, but Minneapolis-based First Team
Sports "offers nearly a pure play in skate, but raises this
question:  Is there more room for its stock to appreciate?"
First Team has about 14% of the market, and analysts who
recommend the company's stock say it is in a good position to
"continue to benefit from skating's popularity."  First Team
shares reached a high of $26 six weeks ago, on sales of more than
$85.5M.  Mark Leslie, a leisure and entertainment analyst for
Dain Bosworth, a Minneapolis brokerage firm, believes the company
will see 30% sales growth to $108M (Andrea Adelson, N.Y. TIMES,
5/1).
     NIHA SIGNS UP A PAIR: The National In-Line Hockey
Association (NIHA) announced that Houston-based Oshman's Sports
Goods and Supersports USA have become members of the NIHA
Preferred Retailer Program.  NIHA also signed a sponsorship
agreement with stick manufacturer Power-Flite Corp.  The
agreement will allow Power-Flite to promote their aluminum sticks
at the NIHA league level (NIHA).