National Sports

TORONTO — While his team has performed well early this season despite losing its top player from last year's championship team, Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged Wednesday wasn't an easy day.

Ron Francis spoke at a conference in downtown Toronto this week a few blocks from where NHL general managers were holding one of their annual meetings.

CALGARY — His eight years of CFL experience helps, but Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros is still in hurry-up mode settling into a new offence ahead of the Grey Cup.

MIAMI — Canada has drawn in a pool with Mexico, El Salvador and Aruba at the 2020 CONCACAF Under-20 Men's Championship. The draw took place Wednesday at CONCACAF headquarters in Miami.

CALGARY — It's a staple of Grey Cup week — the two head coaches being asked whether they'll allow their players to have sex leading up to the big game. Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Orlondo Steinauer's response was very matter of fact on Wednesday.

When Vasek Pospisil returned to the tennis court in the summer after missing six months due to back surgery, his main goal was to finish the season healthy. Not only is his body feeling great, he's also getting big results.

TORONTO — Here's a capsule look at new Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe's hockey career: AS A JUNIOR Keefe's junior days included a run to the Memorial Cup final with the Barrie Colts in 2000, a season when the native of Brampton, Ont.

CALGARY — Jim Barker will have a unique opportunity Sunday. Barker will be on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' sidelines when the East champs face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium.

CALGARY — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have racked up an impressive offensive record in 2019, but the team's head coach says it's the defence that has become the "heartbeat" of team.

TORONTO — It looks like Canada will slip out of the top six in CONCACAF when the new FIFA rankings come out later this month.