National Sports

TORONTO — Discussions continue between the CFL and federal government on a $30-million, interest-free loan that, if granted, would allow the league to stage an abbreviated 2020 season.

EDMONTON — Jacob Markstrom got the shutout and Brock Boeser scored one for a fallen friend Thursday as the Vancouver Canucks pushed the Minnesota Wild to the brink of elimination in NHL qualifying play.

Canadian striker Jonathan David is close to finalizing a deal to join France's Lille, according to L'Equipe. The French sports newspaper reported Thursday an agreement with Belgium's KAA Gent could be finalized by the end of the week.

TORONTO — Ben Chiarot says when his confidence goes up, the game slows down. It must be moving at a snail's pace right now for the Montreal Canadiens defenceman.

TORONTO — Raptors Uprising GC point guard Kenneth (Kenny Got Work) Hailey has been named the NBA 2K League's player of the month for July. Hailey, the esports league's leading scorer, also won the award in May.

CALGARY — The Western Hockey League intends to open its regular season Dec. 4. pending approval from provincial and state health authorities. The WHL halted the 2019-20 regular season March 12 because of the advancing COVID-19 virus.

LONDON — The pandemic-delayed London Marathon will be staged on Oct. 4 using a different route than usual and with only elite runners participating. Rather than starting in Greenwich in east London, there will be a looped 26.2-mile (42.

Former test referees Jonathan Kaplan and Chris Pollock will look after the appointment and development of Major League Rugby match officials for the 2021 season, the North American rugby league announced Thursday Between them, Kaplan and Pollock refe

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Aces have signed hooker Matty Fozard, making the Welsh international their third player signing.

Justin (The Guitar Hero) Jaynes has wasted little time returning to action after needing just 41 seconds to win his UFC debut on short notice June 20.