In Spike's daily transaction report on rec.sport.hockey, he reports that Pat Lafontaine & his agent have stated that he will not play for the Islanders unless they have a new owner - and if no deal can be made, he will play for the US Olympic Team. I'm wondering whether the staff might take away a spot that has been given to a player already if Sept-Oct rolls around and Lafontaine suddenly decides to give up on the Isles and go Olympics. It would be great to have the guy on the team, but knowing USA Hockey's commitment to amateur players (using pros only sparingly), I wonder how receptive they would be to a Lafontaine walking off the street and inviting himself onto the team. Initially I say very, but who knows. This is an interesting development coming on the opening day of tryouts. - mike