National Sports

TORONTO — Mike Babcock should have the Toronto Maple Leafs' full attention when they return to practice Friday.

TORONTO — When Jesperi Kotkaniemi stepped on the ice Wednesday night, he became a small piece of NHL history.

LISBON, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo was left off Portugal's national team squad for a pair of upcoming matches, the decision coming Thursday as the soccer great fights a rape allegation in the United States.

SAPPORO, Japan — The Canadian women's volleyball team has been knocked out of the world championship. A 3-1 loss (23-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-21) to Bulgaria (2-3) on Wednesday prevented Canada (1-4) from moving on to the second round.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill will swap a "Sr." for a "Jr." on a plaque at Kenan Memorial Stadium, to distance the university from William Rand Kenan Sr.

OTTAWA — An Olympic kayaker is looking to splash Liberal gold on a southern Ontario riding long held by the Conservatives. Decorated athlete Adam van Koeverden announced Thursday he hopes to run as a Liberal candidate for the riding of Milton, Ont.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Wolves will host the 2020 Bingham Cup. The international gay rugby union tournament, which promotes inclusivity, equality and competition, is expected to draw 70 teams from five continents.

Prince Albert Raiders goaltender Ian Scott found that out last season when he started all three games on a weekend road trip through Alberta just how much of a grind the major junior hockey season can be for a starting netminder.

TORONTO — Will Canadian fans of big-budget, American Super Bowl ads get to see them while the NFL championship game is played next February, or will that be ruled out of bounds after just two seasons? Canada's new trade agreement with the United Stat

NEW YORK — Aaron Judge got the party started with a two-run homer nine pitches in . By the time Giancarlo Stanton capped the mauling with monstrous drive in his post-season debut , New York Yankees fans already were looking ahead.