THE FORECAST FOR THE NHL IN HOUSTON CALLS FOR HARD RAINS

          Harris County-Houston Sports Authority Chair Jack Rains
     said that "he will not approve any deal" for a new downtown
     arena that "gives one person an upper hand" in acquiring an
     NHL team, according to John Williams of the HOUSTON
     CHRONICLE.  Currently, a "major sticking point" in arena
     negotiations is "who controls arena revenues should Houston
     get an NHL team."  If Rockets Owner Les Alexander, who is
     currently in negotiations for an arena for his NBA
     franchise, is awarded those benefits, it could "give him an
     advantage over other potential buyers of a hockey
     franchise."  However, Rockets COO George Postolos said that
     the Rockets "are not pushing for a deal that would give
     Alexander a favored position for a hockey team." 
     Nevertheless, Rains said, "I don't want to be in a position
     ... that we give anyone a lock on hockey."  Alexander has
     "competed" against IHL Aeros Owner Chuck Watson for an NHL
     expansion franchise (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/29).