SEARS DROPS NHL ALL-STAR GAME SUPPORT; CONNELLY EYES NHL?

          Sears "is out" after two years as serving as the
     sponsor and distribution point of the NHL's All-Star
     balloting program, according to Terry Lefton of BRANDWEEK. 
     The league "is trying to convince fast food sponsor Wendy's
     to pick up the tab, eying the fast-food chain's" 5,000 plus
     U.S. and Canadian locales (BRANDWEEK, 8/10 issue). 
          CONNELLY GOING FOR TOP POST? Both the SPORTSBUSINESS
     JOURNAL's Andy Bernstein and BRANDWEEK's Lefton have NFLP
     Senior VP/Consumer Products Jim Connelly as a possible
     successor to Rick Dudley as President of NHL Enterprises. 
     Bernstein says that Connelly was "recently" spotted at NHL
     headquarters, fueling "speculation that he is a candidate
     for the top job."  If so, Connelly may have to compete
     against former Radio City Music Hall exec Arlen Kantarian. 
     Other names that have been "rumored" include NFL Int'l
     Senior VP Don Garber and former Liz Claiborne for Men
     President Bob Kosky (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/10 issue).