National Sports

TORONTO — Like other Major League Baseball teams, the Toronto Blue Jays are brimming with optimism going into the season opener. "I think we have a very complete team," catcher Alejandro Kirk said Wednesday through an interpreter.

A morale-boosting weekend win over the United States at the CONCACAF Nations League has turned into a nightmare for Canada.

MONTREAL — Mark Weightman is stepping down as president/CEO of the Montreal Alouettes. The CFL club announced Wednesday that Weightman will be leaving both roles effective Friday.

TORONTO — Woodbine's 2025 racing season will begin April 26 after Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA) agreed Wednesday on a two-year contract. The deal boosts purses by $5.7 million.

Earlier during what is likely to be his third Vezina Trophy-winning season, Connor Hellebuyck pretty much gave up trying to figure out exactly what constitutes goaltender interference. Winnipeg's star goaltender has served on competition committees.

WINNIPEG — Dylan Strome wasn't alive when Wayne Gretzky passed Gordie Howe. The Great One scored the 802nd regular-season goal of his NHL career on March 23, 1994, to unseat Mr. Hockey for top spot in the record book.

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays will kick off their regular season at home on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles. Here's a look at five talking points ahead of the new campaign: FACE OF THE FRANCHISE As Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Tage Thompson scored the go-ahead goal 1:23 into the third period, and Lindy Ruff became the NHL’s second coach to win 600 games with one franchise in the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.

CALGARY — Nazem Kadri's penchant for scoring the big goal at a big time was on display yet again Tuesday.

Tuesday's Scoreboard NHL Winnipeg 3 Washington 2 (OT) Calgary 4 Seattle 3 (OT) Toronto 7 Philadelphia 2 Buffalo 3 Ottawa 2 St.