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Leagues and Governing Bodies

BETTMAN MEETS THE MEDIA IN TAMPA; LEAGUE SELLS PACKAGES

          NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is interviewed by Ira
     Kaufman of the TAMPA TRIBUNE.  Bettman, on how the NHL can
     build its fan base: "We have missed lots of opportunities in
     the past because of underexposure of our game.  It's
     critical we reach out to non-traditional hockey markets. 
     ... Most importantly, children are being introduced to our
     sport in record numbers."  Bettman, on his future: "I still
     love my job, some days more than others.  Of course, there
     are frustrations.  You always want to do more."  Panthers
     President Bill Torrey: "I don't agree with everything the
     man does, but I certainly have a lot of respect for Gary.
     ... The guy works like a banshee and ... has the best
     interests of the league at heart" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 1/22).
          LEAGUE SELLS PACKAGES: The NHL made Tampa the "testing
     ground" for the league's first official All-Star Weekend
     tour packages.  They included hotel rooms, breakfast, air
     fare, ground transportation and tickets to all events during
     the three days in FL.   NHL VP/Special Events Frank Supovitz
     said the Ice Palace's larger-than-average capacity of 19,758
     made it possible: "We had wanted to do this in the past but
     never had the tickets."  About 575 people bought the
     packages for $845 to $945 within the U.S. and $1,100 to
     $1,239, "before" a 4% currency charge, from Canada.  Only
     about 25 packages were sold in Canada.  The U.S. sales were
     split between tourists/corporations (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 1/22). 
          INTERNATIONAL APPEAL? In Denver, Terry Frei writes that
     the NHL's int'l format for its All-Star Game "is one of the
     best vehicles for the NHL to flaunt its biggest strength:
     its truly international talent pool.  No other North
     American league can brag that way" (DENVER POST, 1/22).  In
     Boston, Stephen Harris writes that the while the All-Star
     Game usually "makes most real hockey fans wretch," the
     league hopes the int'l format "will inspire a somewhat more
     competitive contest" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/22).

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