National Sports

HIBBING, Minn. (AP) — Adam Johnson was humble, kind and smart, and most of all an athlete. Thousands gathered Monday to remember the 29-year-old American hockey player who died after his neck was cut by a skate blade.

TORONTO — American Sean (Tarzan) Strickland will make his first middleweight title defence against South Africa's Dricus (Stillknocks) du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto on Jan. 20.

MONTREAL — A little gridlock won't stop Juraj Slafkovsky from reaching his destination as a talented player in the NHL, if you ask Martin St. Louis.

VANCOUVER — The union representing soccer referees in Major League Soccer are criticizing comments made by Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini after his team's playoff elimination on the weekend.

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have extended a qualifying offer to third baseman Matt Chapman for next season. Chapman will have until Nov. 14 to accept the offer.

MONTREAL — A renowned Canadian pairs skating coach was sentenced on Monday to 12 months in jail for sexual assault and gross indecency against a teenage athlete in the 1980s.

Canadian international goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan has been named to the NWSL second all-star team.

HAMILTON — And now the waiting begins for Bo Levi Mitchell. The veteran quarterback's future remains Hamilton's biggest question mark heading into the off-season.

Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith came to the defence of his captain on Monday. Asked about Brady Tkachuk's post-game comments calling out Senators fans for booing during Saturday's 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay, Smith said the forward "loves Ottawa.

NEW YORK — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes has been named the NHL's first star of the week after putting up eight points over his last three games.