National Sports

CALGARY — Canadian bobsled pilot Justin Kripps would normally be shaking off rust and testing equipment on Calgary's sliding track at this time of year.

PHILADELPHIA — Gabe Kapler took the fall for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was fired Thursday, nearly two weeks after a disappointing finish to a season of big expectations highlighted by Bryce Harper's arrival.

American college football's rushing leader — and a focal point in this year's Heisman Trophy conversation — is a Canadian. Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard, a 20-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alta.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders need a win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday night for a chance to finish atop the CFL's West Division standings. The Stampeders are 9-5 while Saskatchewan, winners of four straight, have climbed to 10-4.

TORONTO — Samuel Piette was just 17 when he made his senior debut for Canada against the U.S.

STUTTGART, Germany — Canada's Ellie Black was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain after narrowly missing the podium in the all-around competition on Thursday at the world gymnastics championships.

TORONTO — McLeod Bethel-Thompson is back as the Toronto Argonauts' starting quarterback. Bethel-Thompson will begin his second stint of the season under centre Friday night when Toronto (2-12) hosts the Ottawa Redblacks (3-11) at BMO Field.

SHANGHAI — Third-seeded Daniil Medvedev continued his quest to reach a sixth consecutive ATP Tour final after beating Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (7), 7-5 in their round-of-16 match on Thursday at the Shanghai Masters.

TOKYO — Canadian forward Josh Larsen has been handed a three-match ban in the wake of his red card against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup. The 25-year-old from Parksville, B.C.

MONTREAL — Disgraced former national ski coach Bertrand Charest has decided he won't appeal his verdict and sentence before the Supreme Court of Canada. Charest's lawyer says he's decided to close the book and focus on the future.