National Sports

The Ottawa Senators were one shot from playing for the Stanley Cup last May. Next to nothing has gone right since.

MONTREAL — While the roller derby of today might not quite provide the crazy and often violent entertainment the sport offered in the 1960s and '70s, the 24 women's leagues in Canada are a sign of its increasing popularity.

Flanker Lucas Rumball will captain Canada and fly half Theo Sauder makes his first start Saturday when the national team takes on Russia at Ottawa's Twin Elm Rugby Park.

CALGARY — Riding around in the back of the Canadian men's ski team van and reading The Economist directed the course of Scott Hutcheson's life.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the Newfoundland Growlers will be their new ECHL affiliate for the upcoming season. The Growlers, who will play at Mile One Centre in St.

CALGARY — Canadian snowboarding icon Mark McMorris says being named the marshal for the parade that will kick off this year's Calgary Stampede is part of the "most successful" year of his life.

The advance in technology at the World Cup is evident in more than use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The 32 teams will have stats tablets to see in-game positional data on players and the ball.

NEW YORK — Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor expressed regret Thursday for a backstage melee at a Brooklyn arena that saw him caught on camera hurling a hand truck at a bus full of fighters, and he is negotiating a plea deal to resolve criminal

MOSCOW — Vladimir Putin craves sporting glory, and he got another taste of it in the opening match of the World Cup.

RED DEER, Alta. — A Humboldt Broncos player who was injured in a horrific bus crash in Saskatchewan has become an assistant coach for the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs. Graysen Cameron, a 19-year old forward from Olds, Alta.