NHL SEES SLIGHT INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE

     Although several NHL teams have experienced early attendance
that is "noticeably off," additional seats in new arenas has
helped "keep overall attendance high" in the NHL, according to
Allen Panzeri in the OTTAWA CITIZEN.  The league has played
before 35 full houses in the first 99 games, while Anaheim,
Colorado, Florida, Detroit, Tampa Bay and San Jose have sold out
every home games so far.  NHL VP/Pubic Relations Arthur Pincus:
"In most cases, the new buildings have expanded the fan base. ...
We don't like to overanalyze attendance, but we obviously pay
attention to it, and we're pleased that it's as strong as any
other professional sport."  But Panzeri adds that Boston,
Calgary, Chicago, Hartford, New Jersey, Long Island, L.A., St.
Louis, Vancouver and Washington are seeing an early drop in
attendance (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 10/24).