At least three pro women's hockey leagues "are looking
to hit the ice in the next couple of years," according to
Ken Campbell of the HOCKEY NEWS. Campbell reports that
"some people think there is big money to be made from it."
Among the fledgling leagues are the Women's Pro Hockey
League, which claims to have "substantial financial backing
and received signed letters of intent from 16 of 20 top
American players." In addition, the U.S. Women's Pro Hockey
League wants to begin with a ten-team exhibition schedule
before expanding to 26 teams in four divisions, including
teams in Honolulu, Edmonton, Biloxi and Beijing (HOCKEY
NEWS, 10/17). In Hartford, Tommy Hine reported that the
Women's Pro Hockey League "will debut next spring," with six
teams, three each in Canada and the U.S. One franchise will
be owned by former Penguins Owner Jack McGregor. WPHL
President Ed Saunders: "At this point, we have identified
several franchises. Right now, Connecticut is our strongest
candidate." WPHL players would "average $500 a week, with
top players earning $1,000 (HARTFORD COURANT, 10/8).
