National Sports

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A sombre crowd gathered in a downtown St. John's church Friday to honour Bob Cole, the legendary sportscaster from Newfoundland and Labrador who brought some of hockey's most important games to living rooms across the country.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The young Oklahoma City Thunder finally are drawing national attention with a high-scoring offence led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Team Reid Carruthers has added Catlin Schneider to its lineup at third to fill a vacancy caused by the recent departure of Brad Jacobs.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins fired assistant coach Todd Reirden on Friday, just over two weeks after the organization missed out on the playoffs for a second straight season. Reirden was in charge of Pittsburgh's power play.

TORONTO — A career that started on the practice roster has earned Chad Owens a spot in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. The electrifying returner/receiver topped a stellar 2024 class announced Friday. Also named were players S.J.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow came wearing shin pads, running shoes, soccer scarf and a smile. The federal government came with $104.34 million to help cover the costs of the Toronto end of the 2026 World Cup.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The memory of being unable to help the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL playoffs last year still stings for Andrei Svechnikov. He has opened this post-season like a man savouring every moment of his return.

MADRID (AP) — Andrey Rublev beat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 to reach the final of the Madrid Open on Friday and continue his turnaround on clay.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills announced the signings of Canadian wide receiver Chase Claypool, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Deion Jones to one-year contracts on Friday.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Former Oregon State and Nebraska coach Mike Riley has been named to the College Football Playoff selection committee, executive director Bill Hancock announced Friday.