JETS SIGN PHOENIX AGREEMENT, NOW SEEK NHL APPROVAL

     The prospective new owners of the Jets signed a binding
letter of intent Tuesday to move the franchise to Phoenix for
'96-97, according to the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE.  The ownership
company, BG Hockey Ventures, is buying the team for $65M, with
the sale to be concluded in July after the NHL season.  A lease
is expected to be completed within 60 days for the team to play
at America West Arena.  The NHL Board of Governors must also
approve the move.  It is believed the Board will not address the
move at this week's meetings, but are more likely to take it up
at the next, still unscheduled, league meeting (AP/Minneapolis
STAR TRIBUNE, 12/13).  During last night's Red Wings/Blues game,
ESPN's Al Morganti reported the name of the new Phoenix franchise
will most likely be the Coyotes (ESPN, 12/12).