NHL LOOKS TO EXPAND ITS FREEZE PLAY DURING '97-98 SEASON

          After pilot programs in Philadelphia and Toronto, NHL
     Freeze Play, the NHL's four-week, on-ice youth hockey
     program, will target 12 NHL markets at the start of the '97-
     98 regular season (NHL).  Starter is the title sponsor of
     Freeze Play and Jofa is the presenting sponsor.  Jofa is the
     official equipment supplier and will supply all of the ice
     hockey equipment in each market.  According to Alysse Soll,
     NHL Dir of Fan Development, Starter will develop a consumer
     promo in September where children will be able to register
     for NHL Freeze Play at selected retailers in each
     participating market.  A drawing will take place from those
     registration forms and up to 480 kids in each market may be
     selected for Freeze Play.  Soll said the 12 markets and the
     participating retailers for the Starter promo will be
     announced by the end of the season (THE DAILY).