National Sports

TORONTO — The Seattle area's major junior hockey teams aren't worried about competing for fans with the NHL expansion franchise coming to town.

SARNIA, Ont. — A former high-ranking gymnastics coach accused of sexual assault told his trial Thursday that when he apologized to his accuser for "crossing the line," he wasn't referring to any sexual transgressions.

VANCOUVER — With a new head coach coming in, the B.C. Lions announced Thursday that seven members of its coaching staff will not be offered a contract for the 2019 season.

TORONTO — Indigenous-themed mascots, names, imagery and symbols used by non-aboriginal sports teams will be removed from arenas and other facilities in Mississauga, Ont.

Rachael Karker has a renewed sense of confidence heading into her second Dew Tour. Now the Canadian halfpipe skier just has to work on mastering the event's new modified superpipe layout. And she's not alone in that regard.

VUOKATTI, Finland — Canada's Brian McKeever won a gold medal in a five-kilometre cross-country ski race Thursday at the first stop in the IPC World Cup circuit. The 17-time-Paralympic medallist from Canmore, Alta., clocking a time of 11 minutes 4.

LAS VEGAS — The Toronto Blue Jays picked up right-handed pitcher Elvis Luciano from the Kansas City Royals on Thursday in the Rule 5 draft while losing Canadian right-hander Jordan Romano in the selection process.

Curling Canada said an "officiating mistake" was made during a key fifth-end shot in the Canada Cup men's final between Team Brad Jacobs and Team Kevin Koe last Sunday in Estevan, Sask.

Toronto Raptors forward Jonas Valanciunas underwent surgery to repair a dislocated left thumb and will wear a cast for four weeks. Valanciunas suffered the injury in Toronto's 113-93 victory at Golden State on Wednesday.

EDMONTON — FC Edmonton has made South Korean midfielder Son Yongchan its first international signing. Son played most recently for Ozone FC, an Indian second-tier club.