The discussion of Nike, Reebok et al sponsoring college teams brings up an interesting question. I know that some, if not all, of the four hockey conferences have arrangements with CCM, Canstar (er, Nike) etc to supply member teams with sticks, helmets and other tools of the trade. UAA, for example, received a $5000 merchandise credit this season from Canstar for being affiliated with the WCHA. I wonder if these league arrangements offer potential conflicts for schools who choose to strike their own deals with sponsors. Jerry Jones and the NFL come to mind. It also strikes me as a bit hypocritical that Nike can throw millions at the mucky-mucks at Big State U in the name of "amateur" athletics while I've got to worry about buying my student athlete buddy a beer if I don't also buy one for the rest of the student body. But I digress... Mark Sonnier HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.