National Sports

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites ripped captain Jamie Benn and fellow high-priced forward Tyler Seguin, telling reporters their play has been "terrible" and saying owner Tom Gaglardi was frustrated as well.

NEW YORK — The NHL has suspended Boston Bruins forward David Backes three games without pay for an illegal hit to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Blake Coleman. The league considered Backes a repeat offender.

With the Canadian Open just over a week away, Team Brad Jacobs is planning to discuss lineup plans over the weekend before unveiling its foursome for the next stop on the Grand Slam of Curling circuit.

VANCOUVER — Team Canada coach Tim Hunter says his team will have to improve their penalty kill and power play if they're going to continue winning at the world junior championship.

TORONTO — The pressure at Gangneung Ice Arena was palpable. The world was watching. But in what was among the most memorable four minutes of the Pyeongchang Olympics, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir delivered the skate of their lives.

HUMBOLDT, Sask. — Nathan Oystrick has stepped down as head coach and general manager of the Humboldt Broncos.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien said he hopes Carey Price's nagging injury won't keep the star goaltender out of action for long.

TORONTO — Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse has switched coaches in hopes of turning around a career derailed by injuries.

TORONTO — A group of stars primed to hit free agency, the potential first volleys in another round of labour unrest and the possibility of Canada's first Stanley Cup winner since 1993 are among the NHL storylines to look for in 2019.

Thursday's Games (All Times Eastern) 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship At Vancouver Russia 4, Denmark 0 Canada 3, Switzerland 2 At Victoria Sweden 5, Slovakia 2 Finland 5, Kazakhstan 0 --- Spengler Cup At Davos, Switzerland Kuopio 3, Trinec 1 Davos