TROUBLE PICKING UP THE PUCK? FOLLOW THE VAPOR TRAIL

     The "techno-wizards" at Fox Sports are experimenting with a
computer chip to be installed in pucks used for Fox's telecast of
the NHL All-Star Game on January 20, according to NEWSDAY's Steve
Zipay.  The technology would make it easier for fans to follow a
puck.  Fox cameras around Boston's FleetCenter -- "fitted with
similar communications chips -- would be able to track the pucks,
which to viewers would appear to leave an electronic 'vapor
trail.'"  Fox execs confirmed the technological development is
going on and hope to unveil the puck January 18 at a news
conference.  Zipay writes that "one glitch" in the process could
be that "when the pucks are frozen, which is done before every
NHL game, the chip ices up as well" (NEWSDAY, 11/21).