National Sports

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The memory of being unable to help the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL playoffs last year still stings for Andrei Svechnikov. He has opened this post-season like a man savouring every moment of his return.

MADRID (AP) — Andrey Rublev beat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 to reach the final of the Madrid Open on Friday and continue his turnaround on clay.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills announced the signings of Canadian wide receiver Chase Claypool, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Deion Jones to one-year contracts on Friday.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Former Oregon State and Nebraska coach Mike Riley has been named to the College Football Playoff selection committee, executive director Bill Hancock announced Friday.

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan — Paige Crozon had a team-high 10 points Friday as Canada opened with a 19-12 win over Kenya at a women's 3x3 basketball Olympic qualifying tournament. Crozon was effective from long-range with four two-pointers.

NASHVILLE — Rick Tocchet drew ample respect during his 18 seasons as an NHL player. Now he’s doing the same behind the bench — and leading the Vancouver Canucks to their best season in over a decade in the process.

NEW YORK — Rick Bowness of the Winnipeg Jets, Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators are the finalists for this season's Jack Adams Award.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens signed defenceman Adam Engstrom to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday.

TORONTO — Sheldon Keefe's team had a decision to make.

CALGARY — Canada's para hockey team gets another swing at winning a world championship on home ice. Canada hosted the world para hockey championship for the first time in 2023 in Moose Jaw, Sask.