National Sports

LAVAL, Que. — Newly engaged and with his first Grand Prix figure skating title within reach — Keegan Messing couldn't find words to describe his elation Friday night. "Cloud 9" didn't quite cut it.

John Ziegler Jr.'s tumultuous 15 years as NHL president began with the league ushering in the Wayne Gretzky era and ended with labour unrest and a players strike in 1992.

TORONTO — Mike Babcock has been pleased with the overall body of work from Auston Matthews and Patrick Marleau early on this season. The Maple Leafs head coach also sees plenty of room for improvement.

HAMILTON — Seeing how the other half lives had helped make Terrell Sinkfield Jr. a better receiver. Sinkfield will make his Hamilton debut Saturday afternoon when the Tiger-Cats (8-8) host the Ottawa Redblacks (9-7).

MONTREAL — What was once a murky playoff picture for the Montreal Impact has now become crystal clear – win or go home. And hope another result goes your way.

TORONTO — It's called the Rugby World Cup repechage, a last-chance qualifier for the sport's biggest showcase. But for Rugby Canada, it could be dubbed the $10-million tournament.

HALIFAX — The company hoping to bring a CFL team to Halifax has proposed Shannon Park, along the east side of the city's harbour, as the site for a 24,000-seat stadium. The proposal from Maritime Football Ltd.

TORONTO — Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day for beleaguered Toronto FC supporters. But the regular-season finale is more a changing of the guard as league-leading Atlanta United comes to town.

IndyCar driver Robert Wickens is paralyzed from the waist down from injuries suffered in an August crash at Pocono Raceway.

Sara Austin says parents enrolling their children in athletic programs this fall can take an important step to help prevent sexual abuse. Just talk.