National Sports

Charlie McAvoy is happy to have it in his tool belt. The art of landing a reverse hit — when a player, usually a defenceman, with the puck initiates contact before an opponent looking to do the same — is fairly straightforward.

TORONTO — Maple Leafs defenceman John Klingberg's season is over.

HAMILTON — Scott Milanovich has long been aware of the fierce support for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats as both an adversary and as part of the family.

CHICAGO (AP) — Asked how he processes losing, Connor Bedard recalled one of his seasons with the Regina Pats — his junior hockey team in Canada. He didn't have to look back very far. After all, the rookie center just turned 18 in July.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Joe Castiglione, a Boston Red Sox radio announcer for 41 years, won the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting on Wednesday.

VANCOUVER — Canada coach Bev Priestman exits a difficult year with a broad smile on her face. The 10th-ranked Canadian women ride into 2024 on a three-game winning streak, having won five of six outings since a disappointing World Cup.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed midfielder Sebastian Berhalter to a new contract through the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with a club option for 2026.

MONTREAL — The Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes have extended the contract of quarterback Cody Fajardo through the 2025 CFL season.

Montreal Canadiens fans attending games at the Bell Centre can ensure they get a personalized visit at their seat from team mascot Youppi! — as long as they're willing to pay nearly $200 for the privilege.

VANCOUVER — In time Quinn Hughes will appreciate the experience more.