Local Sports

His hometown is listed as North Vancouver, but Justin Almeida was born and raised in Kitimat and next season Prince George will be his hockey home.

The Vancouver Canucks are in the market for new coaching staff. Hockey operations president Trevor Linden announced the team had fired head coach John Tortorella and assistant coach Mike Sullivan Thursday morning.

The first-round order of teams selecting 1999-born players in today's Western Hockey League bantam draft is as follows: 1. Brandon (acquired in a trade from Saskatoon), 2. Lethbridge, 3. Kamloops, 4. Moose Jaw, 5. Prince George, 6. Red Deer, 7.

The new boss of the Prince George Cougars won't be searching for a new head coach.

Christmas in May? That's what draft day feels like for Todd Harkins, director of player personnel for the Prince George Cougars. His whole year has been built around what will transpire in Calgary starting at 7:30 a.m.

VANCOUVER - Off the ice, John Tortorella was better than anyone expected. On it, the Vancouver Canucks were worse.

Controversial Vancouver Canucks bench boss will be fired today, TSN reported Thursday. According to the sports network's Farhan Lalji, John Tortorella is to be relieved of his duties as head coach, one season after taking over for Alain Vigneault.

Eric Brewer accomplished his first official duty as part-owner of the Prince George Cougars from the other side of the continent.

Fore! Aberdeen Glen Golf Course is opening its front nine holes on Friday to launch its 2014 season. Tee times can be booked as early as 8:30 a.m. The back nine is expected to open a week later. For info, call 250-563-8901.

The sale of the Prince George Cougars is expected to be voted on by the Western Hockey League's board of governors at a special meeting today in Calgary.