CAN '98 GAMES PAVE THE WAY FOR WOMEN'S PRO HOCKEY LEAGUES?

          At least three pro women's hockey leagues "are looking
     to hit the ice in the next couple of years," according to
     Ken Campbell of the HOCKEY NEWS.  Campbell reports that
     "some people think there is big money to be made from it." 
     Among the fledgling leagues are the Women's Pro Hockey
     League, which claims to have "substantial financial backing
     and received signed letters of intent from 16 of 20 top
     American players."  In addition, the U.S. Women's Pro Hockey
     League wants to begin with a ten-team exhibition schedule
     before expanding to 26 teams in four divisions, including
     teams in Honolulu, Edmonton, Biloxi and Beijing (HOCKEY
     NEWS, 10/17).  In Hartford, Tommy Hine reported that the
     Women's Pro Hockey League "will debut next spring," with six
     teams, three each in Canada and the U.S.  One franchise will
     be owned by former Penguins Owner Jack McGregor. WPHL
     President Ed Saunders: "At this point, we have identified
     several franchises.  Right now, Connecticut is our strongest
     candidate."  WPHL players would "average $500 a week, with
     top players earning $1,000 (HARTFORD COURANT, 10/8).