USA HOCKEY INLINE OFF TO A FAST START

     In its first five months, USA Hockey InLine has registered
more than 56 in-line hockey leagues totalling more than 9,000
players.  USA Hockey InLine's program follows that of USA Hockey,
the national governing body for the sport in the U.S., including
"sanctioning" of leagues and registration of players, coaches and
referees.  USA Hockey Exec Dir Dave Ogrean:  "The tremendous
response we've seen to USA Hockey InLine in the first five months
of operation confirms our belief that interest in hockey, both on
and off the ice, is at an all-time high in the United States."
Four companies -- Karhu, USA (Jofa, Titen, Koho and Canadien),
Canstar Sports USA (Bauer, Cooper), First Team Sports (Ultra
Wheels), Hillerich & Bradsby of Canada (Louisville Hockey) --
have signed on as Gold Level Official Sponsors for USA Hockey
InLine's first year.  In addition, USA Hockey InLine has signed
on former NHL player Brian Mullen as "Coach-in-Chief" and former
WHA/NHL referee Ron Foyt as "Referee-in-Chief" (USA Hockey
InLine).