NHL OK'S AVALANCHE SALE TO STURM; PEPSI CENTER'S FIRST GAME

          The NHL's Board of Governors unanimously approved the
     transfer of the Avalanche to Owner Donald Sturm yesterday
     (NHL).  The Avalanche defeated the Bruins 2-1 last night in
     the first game at the $175M Pepsi Center.  NHL Commissioner
     Gary Bettman attended the game and said, "We're delighted to
     have Donald and Susan Sturm own the franchise.  They are
     solid, local owners for us, and I know they are going to
     take good care of the franchise.  Local ownership isn't
     vital, but when you have it, it can be a plus."  Bettman, on
     the new Pepsi Center: "This is a beautiful arena.  I'm not
     prepared to say there is a nicer one, but I'm not going to
     insult any other new arenas.  Denver has a right to be proud
     of it" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 10/14).  Bettman called the
     Pepsi Center, "Spectacular, absolutely beautiful.  The
     sightlines, the spaciousness" (DENVER POST, 10/14).