ELLMAN, GRETZKY CAUGHT IN HOLDING PATTERN FOR COYOTES

          Prospective Coyotes co-Owners Steve Ellman and Wayne
     Gretzky "can't take control" of the Coyotes or "make any
     changes until the sale gets formal approval" from the NHL
     BOG next month, according to Bob McManaman of the ARIZONA
     REPUBLIC, who writes that NHL owners "are expected to
     approve" the $87M deal during league meetings December 11-
     12 in Palm Beach, FL.  Ellman and Gretzky were "hoping to
     close today" on the purchase from outgoing Owner Richard
     Burke, but because they "won't be allowed to run the team
     for at least two more weeks, there likely won't be a rush to
     close the deal" until after the league meetings.  In other
     news, Burke "already has begun drawing money" from Ellman's
     $18.5M deposit to the NHL.  Burke has withdrawn $4.5M,
     including $3M on Monday, to "pay for team operational
     expenses, including player salaries" (AZ REPUBLIC, 11/30).