Ice Hockey

Most of the players on the world champion Canadian national team have been approached to play in the proposed U.S.-based Women's Professional Hockey League.

The WPHL already has signed 16 Americans, with the goal of opening in the autumn of 1998 with at least one franchise in Eastern Canada.

"It's not really part of our mandate, but I have had discussions (with the WPHL)," Canadian Hockey senior vice-president Bob Nicholson said.

"They have approached a good majority of our players for their pro league. There's no question that the debut of women's hockey at the Olympics in Nagano will bring a lot of exposure.

"Whether this league is a can't-miss proposal is something I can't comment on, but it's definitely worth exploring. Look how well the WNBA has done with basketball.

"Our team has drawn about 1,000 people to smaller rinks in its exhibition games and we expect more in bigger buildings such as Calgary and Winnipeg."

The WPHL is close to establishing its first three franchises in Bridgeport, Conn., Lowell, Mass., and Manchester, N.H., says founder Ed Saunders.

He told USA Today last week he has made a proposal to a well known clothing designer which would serve as the league's major sponsor.