FRANCHISE NOTES

          U.S Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) has signed a petition to
     have the NFL Oilers play at Middle TN State Univ.'s Johnny
     Red Floyd Stadium during the '98 regular season.  But TN
     Gov. Don Sundquist said the Oilers "should stay in Memphis"
     and "is confident that attendance will eventually catch on"
     (NASHVILLE BANNER, 1/26)....This month, the Stars, Senators,
     Capitals, Blues and Sharks join the Flyers as teams which
     have introduced third jerseys this season.  The NHL
     Alternate Jersey program features 11 clubs - six new intros
     and five returning teams (NHL).  In N.Y., Frank Brown called
     the Stars' third jersey "the best one yet," saying it should
     "replace their current road jersey" (DAILY NEWS, 1/24).