OLYMPIC AGREEMENT CALLED "HOCKEY'S FINEST HOUR"

     The NHL's agreement to suspend its season and allow its
players to play in the '98 Olympics in Nagano is called "one of
the greatest days in the history of hockey" by Al Strachan in
this morning's TORONTO SUN.  Strachan writes the combination of
labor peace, Olympic involvement, harmony with the European
federations and a World Cup will help the sport "finally claim
the position on the world's sporting stage that it so long
deserved."  Strachan:  "For hockey fans, the next few years
should be a veritable bonanza with world-class tournaments every
two years."  Strachan predicts the Olympic deal will lead to
European teams in the NHL, as "the concept has the potential to
be an economic bonanza."  More good economic news -- Strachan
adds the NHL sees Nagano "as leverage" to get at least $200M out
of U.S. TV networks for involvement in the 2002 Games (TORONTO
SUN, 10/3).  In Philadelphia, Gary Miles writes, "The NBA has one
'Dream Team.'  The NHL will have six" (PHILA. INQUIRER, 10/3).