National Sports

MONTREAL — A grassroots effort is underway to get professional hockey's first Black coach, John Paris Jr., inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hockey Nova Scotia launched a petition dubbed "Paris to Toronto" on Feb.

Major League Soccer has revamped its playoff format with two extra teams making the post-season from each conference and an expanded first round featuring best-of-three series.

TORONTO — He's preparing for a 12th CFL season, but Pat Neufeld is also looking ahead to when he's no longer a football player. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' offensive lineman will be among six players who will participate in the CFL mentorship program.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks hired Jykine Bradley as defensive backs coach Tuesday. Bradley held the same post with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last season, his first as a CFL coach.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames have placed defenceman Michael Stone on injured reserve, the club announced Tuesday. The 32-year-old has five goals and five assists in 46 games in 2022-23.

TORONTO, Ohio — Henoc Muamba will help the Toronto Argonauts defend their Grey Cup title. The veteran Canadian linebacker re-signed with the CFL club on Monday. Muamba, 33, became a free agent on Feb. 14.

TORONTO — Tennis Canada president and chief executive officer Michael Downey announced Tuesday he will retire at the end of the year. Canadian tennis players have enjoyed considerable success during Downey's 15 years as head of the organization.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes signed defensive lineman Vincent Desjardins and receiver Jake Harty to one-year deals Tuesday. Both players are Canadians.

DUBAI CITY, United Arab Emirates — World No. 1 Iga Swiatek cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 win over Canada's Leylah Fernandez in second-round action Tuesday at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Fernandez, from Laval, Que.

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Que. — Circle Wednesday on the calendar if you enjoy do-or-die showdowns between acrimonious rivals.