NHL: The CP reports that former NHLer Wayne Gretzky
said that this week's Open Ice hockey summit is "the first
step in helping solve the woes afflicting Canada's favourite
pastime." Gretzky: "We need a lot of changes. Where do you
want me to start?" Gretzky, who's the summit's honorary
chair, will open the conference in Toronto tomorrow at the
Hall of Fame (CP, 8/24)....The CALGARY SUN reports that
"some of the most influential coaches in the NHL" gathered
in Montreal this past weekend to "discuss plans for an NHL
Coaches' Association." The group "wants a greater voice in
matters pertaining to rule changes and league marketing."
Bruins Coach Pat Burns: "We want to create an association
like they have in other sports. [NHL Commissioner] Gary
Bettman knows about it" (CALGARY SUN, 8/24).
MORE NOTES: In Miami, Michelle Kaufman reports that the
MLS Disciplinary Committee is still "reviewing" a videotape
from the United-Fusion game Saturday, in which a league-
record four players were ejected. Kaufman adds that MLS is
"considering whether to fine" Fusion Investor/Operator Ken
Horowitz for his postgame comments on the officiating
(MIAMI HERALD, 8/24)....The WTA Tour's du Maurier Open set a
Toronto attendance record of 142,477 fans, up from 119,688
last year (Tennis Canada)....In Ft. Worth, Mac Engel, on the
AFL: "The 15-team Arena Football League does not seem to be
a novelty act anymore" (STAR-TELEGRAM, 8/21).
