CONNECTICUT AREA A POSSIBILITY FOR NHL'S NEXT ICE CENTER

          The NHL "is considering" a league-licensed skating
     facility in Danbury, CT, similar to the one it opened in
     Birch Run, MI, according to John Altavilla of the HARTFORD
     COURANT.  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Friday that
     "corporate and political leaders in Danbury have encouraged
     the league to build a facility."  Bettman: "At this point we
     haven't finalized NHL involvement in the project.  But it's
     something we would like to do. ... We have a lot of hockey
     fans in Connecticut.  There's a good chance (Danbury) could
     be next up" (HARTFORD COURANT, 9/27).
          NOTES: Bettman said the league will not intercede in
     the contract talks between the Mighty Ducks and Paul Kariya
     before the league's opener in Japan, adding only, "[I]t will
     be a shame if he's not in Japan" (L.A. TIMES, 9/27).  On CBS
     SportsLine, Terry Egan: "Look for the NHL to extend its
     financial assistance plan to small market Canadian cities. 
     The plan expires after this season" (CBS SportsLine, 9/29).