IS ASCENT SPORTS SECURING PERSONNEL BEFORE SALE OF TEAMS?

          Ascent Sports "added some stability to an unsteady
     situation" yesterday by signing Avalanche President & GM
     Pierre Lacroix to a long-term contract extension, according
     to Jim Benton of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS.  Lacroix "agreed
     to what is believed to be at least a five-year extension,"
     and new Ascent Sports President Don Elliman said that the
     signing was the "first step toward trying to restore order"
     in the company as it searches for a buyer.  Elliman: "We've
     made no secret of the fact we are going to try to sell the
     sports holdings.  I think this is the right thing for us to
     be doing.  This is an indication that signing Pierre to this
     contract is a plus for that process.  I feel the same about
     [Nuggets GM] Dan Issel."  Terms of the new contract were not
     revealed (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 1/18).  In Denver, Terry Frei
     writes that in inking Lacroix to the deal, Ascent is "tying
     up a loose end in anticipation" of sale talks.  Elliman: "I
     think that's a fair statement" (DENVER POST, 1/18).