HOCKEY NEWS REPORTS NHLPA FILES GRIEVANCE OVER "CAP" PLAN

          There's a "battle brewing" between the NHL and the
     NHLPA "over the continuance of the Canadian Assistance Plan
     (CAP)," according to Bob McKenzie of the HOCKEY NEWS.  The
     NHLPA has field a grievance with the NHL "against the CAP,
     effectively challenging the legality of it."  McKenzie
     reports the move "apparently prevented NHL governors" from
     formally approving the CAP for another year at the meetings
     earlier this month in FL.  McKenzie: "Instead, the governors
     'recommended' its continuance, recognizing its future hinges
     on the outcome of an arbitration hearing."  The CAP is a
     two-part revenue-sharing plan offering financial aid and
     incentives to "small-market" Canadian teams.  One element
     gives Canadian teams "certain breaks when they're forced to
     match a free-agent offer sheet in U.S. dollars."  The NHLPA
     declined comment while the NHL "simply confirmed an NHLPA
     grievance had been filed" (HOCKEY NEWS, 12/19 issue).