In Toronto, David Shoalts reports that the World Cup of
Hockey, last played in the summer of '96, "is unlikely to be
played again." NHL Oilers President & GM Glen Sather: "I
haven't heard a word about it from anybody. It was a good
tournament, but I just don't know how receptive the players
are." League officials feel that while the players "are
enthusiastic about the Olympics, the World Cup is another
matter" (GLOBE & MAIL, 10/27)....In Tampa, Ira Kaufman wrote
that the NHL "should step up efforts to spread the word
about hockey" during the NBA lockout. Stars C Mike Modano:
"How can it not help the NHL? You'd just naturally assume
we're going to attract a lot more fans ... if there's no
NBA." Bruins Corporate Marketing Manager Brian Oates: "We
haven't been too active in our approach to it yet. I would
say it is in our best interest to remind people we're the
only game in town" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 10/25)....MLS' four-page
insert in USA TODAY's Sports section congratulates the MLS
Cup Champion Fire and lists a directory of where to purchase
MLS Cup Championship T-Shirts (USA TODAY, 10/27).
