Canada & World

Minnesota State’s Akito Hirose (2) and St. Cloud State’s Kevin Fitzgerald (28) watch the puck during the third period of an NCAA men’s Frozen Four hockey semifinal in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 8, 2021. The Vancouver Canucks have signed free-agent defenceman Hirose to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Keith Srakocic

Canucks sign college standout Akito Hirose to entry-level contract

College free agent defenceman inks a one-year deal

Zac Jones of the New York Rangers skates with a stick decorated for “Pride Night” in warm-ups prior to the game against the Washington Capitals, in New York City, Monday, May 3, 2021.NHL players refusing to participate in Pride nights around the league shows hockey still isn’t safe for a number of LGBTQ people, says one of the first male professional players to publicly come out as gay. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Bruce Bennett, POOL

More work needed to make hockey safe for LGBTQ people: former pro player

NHL Pride nights to promote inclusivity have seen players refusing to take part.

After winning fans at the World Cup, the Canadian men take the first steps toward the 2026 tournament as they return to CONCACAF Nations League play in their first outing since Qatar.  Canada coach John Herdman looks on during second half group F World Cup soccer action against Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Thursday, December 1, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Herdman laments labour dispute between national teams and Canada Soccer

Both men’s and women’s teams have resorted to job action over their dissatisfaction

Bronze medalists, Canadian Kerri Einarson, Val Sweeting, Shannon Birchard, Briane Harris and Krysten Karwacki show their medals after the LGT World Women’s Curling Championship at Goransson Arena in Sandviken, Sweden, Sunday, March 26, 2023. Canada defeated Sweden 8-5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-TT, Jonas Ekstromer

Canada downs Sweden to capture 2nd straight world women’s curling bronze medal

Switzerland took gold, and Norway got silver

Bronze medalists, Canadian Kerri Einarson, Val Sweeting, Shannon Birchard, Briane Harris and Krysten Karwacki show their medals after the LGT World Women’s Curling Championship at Goransson Arena in Sandviken, Sweden, Sunday, March 26, 2023. Canada defeated Sweden 8-5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-TT, Jonas Ekstromer
Canada’s Sophie de Goede lines up for a penalty kick in Langford, B.C., July 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Canadian women thump South Africa 66-7 in their first outing since Rugby World Cup

Team ranked 4th overall

Canada’s Sophie de Goede lines up for a penalty kick in Langford, B.C., July 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Canadian national men’s soccer team forward Alphonso Davies, centre, stands with his teammates during a training session for a CONCACAF Nations League match against Curacao, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Canada, taking the field for the first time since the World Cup in Qatar, faces No. 86 Curacao in CONCACAF Nations League play Saturday night. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canadian men dispatch Curaçao 2-0 in first outing since World Cup in Qatar

Team set to play Honduras next on Tuesday in Toronto

Canadian national men’s soccer team forward Alphonso Davies, centre, stands with his teammates during a training session for a CONCACAF Nations League match against Curacao, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Canada, taking the field for the first time since the World Cup in Qatar, faces No. 86 Curacao in CONCACAF Nations League play Saturday night. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
FILE - New England Patriots backup quarterback Tom Brady warms up on the sidelines before the game against the Detroit Lions at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Friday, Aug. 4, 2000. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Tom Brady becomes minority owner of WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces

Seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady has acquired an ownership stake…

FILE - New England Patriots backup quarterback Tom Brady warms up on the sidelines before the game against the Detroit Lions at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Friday, Aug. 4, 2000. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
FILE - The ice is lit in rainbow light for Pride Night before an NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings, Monday, April 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver because of security concerns involving a Russian law that expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

NHL’s Blackhawks won’t wear Pride jerseys, cite Russian law

Chicago coach Luke Richardson he and his players were disappointed in the decision

FILE - The ice is lit in rainbow light for Pride Night before an NHL hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings, Monday, April 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver because of security concerns involving a Russian law that expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
People celebrate Japan’s victory against United States as they watch on a live stream of a World Baseball Classic (WBC) final being played at LoanDepot Park in Miami, during a public viewing event Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Japanese beating Americans in baseball is must-see viewing in Japan

Japanese television stuck to its live coverage from Miami for almost two…

People celebrate Japan’s victory against United States as they watch on a live stream of a World Baseball Classic (WBC) final being played at LoanDepot Park in Miami, during a public viewing event Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Brian White (middle) fires a shot between the defence of Real Espana’s Junior Garcia (right) and Getsel Montes for a goal during second half CONCACAF Champions League soccer action in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The Whitecaps advanced to the quarterfinals in CONCACAF Champions League play Wednesday after completing a 7-3 aggregate win over Honduran side Real CD Espana.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

Whitecaps through to CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals

Next step for Vancouver is reigning Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles FC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Brian White (middle) fires a shot between the defence of Real Espana’s Junior Garcia (right) and Getsel Montes for a goal during second half CONCACAF Champions League soccer action in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The Whitecaps advanced to the quarterfinals in CONCACAF Champions League play Wednesday after completing a 7-3 aggregate win over Honduran side Real CD Espana.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
Real Espana’s Gerson Chavez (right) grabs a hold of Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s JC Ngando during second half CONCACAF Champions League soccer action in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Despite tough travel and punishing weather, the Vancouver Whitecaps know they have the upper hand as they prepare for CONCACAF Champions League play this week.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

Vancouver Whitecaps control destiny heading into Honduras

Team takes 5-0 cushion into second half of 2-game CONCACAF Champions League series

Real Espana’s Gerson Chavez (right) grabs a hold of Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s JC Ngando during second half CONCACAF Champions League soccer action in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Despite tough travel and punishing weather, the Vancouver Whitecaps know they have the upper hand as they prepare for CONCACAF Champions League play this week.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

City of Winnipeg to stage 2025 Grey Cup game, festivities

City last hosted the fall classic in 2015

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie delivers his state of the league media address at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, December 10, 2021. The 2025 Grey Cup game will be played at Winnipeg’s IG Field. The CFL made the official announcement Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
FILE - Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The Panthers have traded up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the draft from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Carolina's No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and star wide receiver D.J. Moore, two people familiar with the deal said Friday, March 10, 2023, The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The move allows the Panthers to acquire a potential franchise quarterback, although it remains unclear which player the team prefers. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)

Panthers acquire NFL’s first overall draft pick from the Bears

Sources say 2 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks and receiver DJ Moore headed to Chicago

FILE - Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The Panthers have traded up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the draft from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Carolina's No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and star wide receiver D.J. Moore, two people familiar with the deal said Friday, March 10, 2023, The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The move allows the Panthers to acquire a potential franchise quarterback, although it remains unclear which player the team prefers. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)
The Saddledome is seen from a hillside park in Calgary on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. A group of Albertans says they have started to explore whether communities across the province could host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Albertans exploring 2030 Commonwealth Games bid in communities across the province

Commonwealth Sport Canada is endorsing Alberta as the preferred candidate to make a bid

The Saddledome is seen from a hillside park in Calgary on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. A group of Albertans says they have started to explore whether communities across the province could host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Fans dressed as Yeti cheer on Canada as they play Brazil during HSBC Canada Sevens women’s rugby action, in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, March 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canadian women finish satisfying sixth at Canada Sevens, men tie for 15th

Women finished in sixth-place, their highest showing of the season

Fans dressed as Yeti cheer on Canada as they play Brazil during HSBC Canada Sevens women’s rugby action, in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, March 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Canada’s Fancy Bermudez, left, scores her second try past Ireland’s Beibhinn Parsons during HSBC Canada Sevens women’s rugby action, in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, March 5, 2023. Bermudez scored a pair of tries as the Canadian women defeated Ireland 24-12 Sunday to put themselves in position for there best result this season at the HSBC Canada Sevens Tournament. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canadian women topple Ireland at Canada Sevens, men close tournament with loss

Women can place 5th if they beat Fiji. Men ended in 15th.

Canada’s Fancy Bermudez, left, scores her second try past Ireland’s Beibhinn Parsons during HSBC Canada Sevens women’s rugby action, in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, March 5, 2023. Bermudez scored a pair of tries as the Canadian women defeated Ireland 24-12 Sunday to put themselves in position for there best result this season at the HSBC Canada Sevens Tournament. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Galen Rupp, of the United States, and Cam Levins of Canada (right) compete during the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Ore., Sunday, July 17, 2022. Levins broke both the national and North American records at the Tokyo Marathon on Saturday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Patrick Smith/Pool Photo via AP

B.C.’s Cam Levins breaks national, North American records at Tokyo Marathon

Levins shaved 2 seconds off previously held North American record

Galen Rupp, of the United States, and Cam Levins of Canada (right) compete during the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Ore., Sunday, July 17, 2022. Levins broke both the national and North American records at the Tokyo Marathon on Saturday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Patrick Smith/Pool Photo via AP
Canada’s Josiah Morra, right, fights off Chile’s Dante Marchese to score a try during HSBC Canada Sevens rugby action, in Vancouver, on Saturday, March 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canadian teams out of rugby sevens medal hunt

Both teams still hoping to secure spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics

Canada’s Josiah Morra, right, fights off Chile’s Dante Marchese to score a try during HSBC Canada Sevens rugby action, in Vancouver, on Saturday, March 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Vancouver Canucks’ Curtis Lazar, left, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Alex Killorn vie for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. The Canucks dealt forward Lazar to the New Jersey Devils for a fourth-round pick at the 2024 draft on Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Work still to be done revamping Vancouver Canucks roster: Allvin

‘I believe there is more to do here, we’re not happy where we are’

Vancouver Canucks’ Curtis Lazar, left, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Alex Killorn vie for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. The Canucks dealt forward Lazar to the New Jersey Devils for a fourth-round pick at the 2024 draft on Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
New York Rangers right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates up the ice during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in New York. NHL general managers got to work early this year. And it could make for a quiet trade deadline day. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, John Minchillo

NHL trade deadline day quiet after chaotic buildup: ‘Maybe it’s an abnormal year’

NHL’s two-week stretch ahead of Friday included 43 trades involving 85 players and 55 draft picks

New York Rangers right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates up the ice during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in New York. NHL general managers got to work early this year. And it could make for a quiet trade deadline day. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, John Minchillo
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