BETTER WATCH OUT: LOCAL GROUP IS COMING FOR NHL OILERS

          Local suitors for the NHL Oilers "are gathering
     momentum, but they're not ready to throw their weight behind
     a new offer" for the team before Christmas, according to Jac
     MacDonald of the EDMONTON JOURNAL.  Two more have joined a
     local group interested in the team, as Gary Gregg, brother
     of former Oiler Dr. Randy Gregg, has joined along with local
     business exec Art Michalcheon.  The group's spokesperson,
     Cal Nichols, said it won't make any bid soon, but instead
     will "devote its time to gathering more investors and more
     money."  Meanwhile, another Oilers suitor, Rockets Owner Les
     Alexander, said that he is scheduled to meet with NHL
     Commissioner Gary Bettman today about his interest in
     acquiring an NHL franchise (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 12/19).