FRANCHISE NOTES

          The Sharks will play two exhibition games in Anchorage,
     AK, in September 2001.  The games, against an NHL opponent
     to be determined, will benefit the Children's Miracle
     Network (Sharks)....In Denver, Steve Caulk listed the
     winners and losers of the Nuggets, Avalanche and Pepsi
     Center sale.  Among the losers: failed bidders Bill and
     Nancy Laurie and Donald Sturm; N.Y. investment bank Allen &
     Co., whose participation in the Laurie's bid "allowed so
     many appearances of conflict" that it was "forced" Ascent's
     BOD to cancel its bid; Bonham Group President Dean Bonham,
     who sued Sturm for a finder's fee and later withdrew the
     suit; and former Ascent CEO Charlie Lyons, who walked away
     with a "sweetheart deal" for himself.  Among the winners:
     Ascent Sports' Don Elliman and Liberty Media Group Principal
     Negotiator Gary Howard, who "accomplished what few people
     before him could.  He got the job done with a modicum of
     fuss and controversy" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 7/8).