Andrew Beef Johnston scored a popular victory in the British Masters pro-am as stars of sport, stage, screen and music enjoyed a successful and enjoyable day at The Grove. Brent Burns Jersey . The star-studded line-up attracted plentiful galleries to the Hertfordshire venue over two sessions on the eve of the tournament proper, with Jaco Van Zyl piloting Greg Rusedski, Alan McInally and Mark Foster to victory in the morning contest. Damon Hill drains a long-range birdie putt during the Pro-Am at the British Masters The South Africans team narrowly pipped the foursome captained by Ryder Cup star Chris Wood, and the big names continued to entertain the galleries after lunch as fan-favourite Beef edged out Ross Fisher by a single stroke. Johnston once again enjoyed interacting with the crowds along with his all-Ireland playing partners Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, who also starred in Tuesdays nights inaugural and innovative Hero Challenge. The Boyzone/Westlife hybrid combination upstaged the likes of Jamie Redknapp, playing with tournament host Luke Donald, while Sky Sports commentators Sir Ian Botham, Will Greenwood and Damon Hill also displayed their skills.Formula One star Hill was particularly sharp on the greens, and he holed the longest putt of the day in front of the live Sky Sports cameras.Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Live first round coverage begins on Thursday from 9am. Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.You can watch Liverpool v Man Utd, plus Englands tour of Bangladesh and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price! Also See: British Masters: Ways to watch 2015 recap: Fitzpatricks victory WATCH: Masterclass highlights Golf live on Sky Sports Joe Thornton Sharks Jersey .The long-haired pivot, who joined the Alouettes midway through the CFL season and put up a 9-3 record as a starter, will be listed as the top quarterback in training camp next spring.With a full training camp under his belt, the Alouettes will see if he has what it takes to get them back to the Grey Cup game after a four-year absence. Mikkel Boedker Jersey . -- Jonathan Diaz is easy to spot in the Blue Jays clubhouse.KITZBUEHEL, Austria - Screaming for joy and smashing his poles on the snow, Swedish skier Mattias Hargin celebrated his first career World Cup victory on Sunday.Third after the opening leg, Hargin used a flawless second run to land his maiden win at the slalom of the classic Hahnenkamm races.Normally, I am very calm but this is incredible, Hargin said. Finally Ive made it. It feels great the win has come here in Kitz.Hargin posted the second-fastest time in the final run and finished in a total of 1 minute, 43.10 seconds.First-run leader Marcel Hirscher of Austria overcame a mistake halfway down his final run to finish 0.49 behind in second.Felix Neureuther of Germany, who won the race a year ago and also triumphed in Wengen, Switzerland, last week, finished third and remained in the lead of the discipline standings with 480 points, 24 clear of Hirscher.Usually I lose time in the second run, Hargin said. Maybe it was an advantage not to lead after the first run and to just push hard in the second.The 29-year-old Hargin has finished on a podium three times since making his World Cup debut eight years ago. He came closest to a win last season when he finished runner-up to Olympic champion Mario Matt of Austria at a slalom in Val dIsere, France.Its so hard to win a race competing against guys like Hirscher and Neureuther, Hargin said.The Swede drew praise from his rivals for landing Swedens first World Cup victory since Andre Myhrer won a slalom in Levi in November 2012.Mattias has raced incredibly. Hats off! Hes the deserved winner, Hirscher said.The Austrian led Hargin by 0.42 after the opening run and extendeed that lead to 0. Marc-Edouard Vlasic Jersey. 62 before a costly mistake threw him off the race line. He quickly recovered to stay in the race but had lost seven-tenths.The course worsened during the race, with ruts getting deeper and the cloudy weather limiting visibility.With second place and 160 points this weekend, I cant complain, said Hirscher, who also finished runner-up in Fridays combined event. A home race in Kitzbuehel doesnt leave me cold. I do get nervous standing in the start gate and thousands of people waiting for your run.Hirscher was chasing his 16th career win in the discipline, which would have placed him in shared third with Luxembourgs Marc Girardelli on the all-time winners list behind Swedens Ingemar Stenmark (40) and Italys Alberto Tomba (35).Neureuther was fifth after the opening leg, as he was last week on his way to victory in Wengen. The German has won nine World Cup races but is yet to win back-to-back slaloms.Its a different race. The course set is different, the hill is different, the German skier said. I am totally happy. You cant begrudge it to (Mattias) as this was a convincing and deserved win.Alexander Khoroshilov of Russia, who was 0.19 behind Hirscher in second after the opening leg, struggled in his final run and lost speed after several mistakes before finishing in sixth.Ted Ligety was disqualified for missing a gate in the first run, leaving David Chodounsky in 26th as the only American to score World Cup points.The mens World Cup travels to nearby Schladming for a night slalom on Tuesday, the final race before the world championships start in Beaver Creek on Feb. 2. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
MLS on TSN, the new and exclusive home of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, kicks off its amplified coverage of the team on Saturday at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt with Whitecaps FCs home and season opener vs. Ben Chiarot Jets Jersey . New York Red Bulls. TSN primes Vancouver fans for the start of the 2014 season with MLS on TSN: Season Preview Special airing tonight at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt on TSN2 (encore Friday at 3:30pm et/12:30pm pt on TSN2). The 30-minute preview recaps Whitecaps FCs offseason, looks at the teams upcoming season, and features an interview with head coach Carl Robinson. Later on in the season, TSN celebrates the Whitecaps FCs 40th anniversary with a special pre-game show leading into the teams home game vs. San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, May 3. The 30-minute show highlights the teams history almost 40 years to the day since the franchises inaugural game. MLS on TSNs acclaimed broadcast team of Luke Wileman, Jason deVos, and Kristian Jack return to cover Whitecaps FC games. Also handling broadcasting duties this season are Vic Rauter, Nigel Reed, and Greg Sutton, along with longtime Whitecaps FC radio voice Peter Schaad, who will call select games on the broadcast side. Schaad will continue to lead play-by-play commentary for TEAM Radio 1410 Vancouvers exclusive coverage of Whitecaps FC alongside colour commentator David Norman, a former Whitecaps FC midfielder and Canadian international. Throughout the season, TEAM Radio delivers live coverage of every game, which includes extensive pre- and post-game coverage. Schaad will also bring fans news, insight, and behind-the-scenes content surrounding Whitecaps FC on TEAM Radio and TEAMRadio.ca, with the station also delivering a daily MLS report and a weekly 30-minute show on Thursdays at 6pm pt. TEAM Radio recently announced a multi-year extension of its broadcast rights agreement with Whitecaps FC. This extension complements Bells multi-year partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. As part of the partnership, TSN becomes the official Whitecaps FC broadcaster beginning this season and Bell extends its Premier Founding Partnership with the team, which includes Bell branding of all Whitecaps FC official mens and womens jerseys and kits. Kyle Connor Jets Jersey Authentic . - After sewage backups, toilet overflows and foul smells surfaced the past two years, nothing at the Oakland Coliseum surprises the home team anymore. Bobby Hull Jets Jersey Authentic . Calgary finished atop the CFL standings with a 14-4 record and earned the right to host the West Division final at McMahon Stadium on Nov.Late last summer, London bookmakers were offering 2-to-1 odds Manchester United would retain the BPL title and meagre 1-to-14 odds they would finish in amongst the Champions League spots. Not sure any bookies were offering odds that, deep into the business end of the season, Liverpool would be placing job ads related to a victory parade the club are planning to possibly stage the day after the season ends. For those who recollect the quite extraordinary city scenes the day after Liverpool had beaten AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final when a reported 750,000 people lined the route as an open top bus carrying the European champions made its way from John Lennon Airport to City Hall, these arent the type of events you leave to chance. Even the Queen got in on the act then, as she sent the club her congratulations from Edmonton on the last day of her Canadian tour. A bus of an entirely different nature may have derailed Liverpools title bid after their club record equalling 11-game winning streak grinded to a rather abrupt halt last Sunday, but there can be no denying Liverpools rightful place at the head table - that Champions League virtuous circle more commonly referred to as the "top four." Having finished last season in a very distant seventh place, the turnaround at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable and especially when you consider the spending power and superior squad strengths of their title rivals. With Champions League football assured for next season, the target Brendan Rodgers set out with last August, making it all that more special their place back amongst the elite of English football, has come at the expense of their bitter rivals Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson may have preached patience for the incoming manager to the 75,000 in attendance at Old Trafford at his final home game last May, but how about the patience of the Anfield faithful who have waited almost a quarter of a century since their last championship triumph? Although the Chelsea reversal last week handed the initiative to Manchester City, that disappointment pales into insignificance when recalling how the 1989 title was decided. Arsenal not only had to go to Anfield on the last day of the 1989 season and win, but they had to do so by a two-goal advantage. With 90 minutes on the clock and Arsenal leading 1-0 the title was Liverpools.Alexander Burmistrov Jets Jersey. Then, with time running out in added time, up popped Arsenals Michael Thomas to score the decisive goal. Seconds later came the final whistle, as Liverpool players lay completely distraught on the hallowed Anfield turf. Arsenal celebrated, the Kop, for once, in stunned silence. How cruel the beautiful game can be. No victory parades will be staged for the clubs who escape the dreaded drop going into the penultimate weekend of the season, with even FA Cup finalists Hull all the way up in 13th place not safe yet. Following a run of five-straight defeats that firmly rooted Sunderland to the foot of the table in mid-April, it led to questions been asked if Gus Poyet, who had only replaced Paolo Di Canio in October, would resign before seasons end. But my how the club have responded, most famously taking Jose Mourinhos unbeaten BPL home record, earlier this year. On Friday, 21-year old striker Connor Wickham was named BPL player of the month for April, his five goals playing a huge part as the club moved out of the bottom three for the first time since February. With a game in hand against the teams below them, Sunderland control their own destiny. Norwich, Fulham and Cardiff will need help from others this weekend. With the possibility that top place could change hands three times between tomorrow and Monday afternoon when Liverpool play, the real prospect exists come the final game of the season next Sunday that three clubs will still be in contention for the title. This would be the first time this has occurred in the BPL-era and, in doing so, will plunge the league into a silverware crisis. As there are only two BPL trophies in existence and, as traditionally the trophy is handed out on the last day of the season, a trophy will be needed next Sunday at Anfield, the Etihad and in Cardiff where Chelsea plays. So come the final whistle between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Monday afternoon, the Premier League may have to put a call and a delicate request into Old Trafford, where, sitting resplendent in their trophy room, a replica BPL trophy exists. Any chance you can deliver it to Anfield please? You can reach and follow Noel Butler at:Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel on Twitter Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
GREEN BAY, Wis. Scott Niedermayer Ducks Jersey . - Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to practice for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday after sitting out with a left calf injury.Rodgers was limited to a little more than half of the snaps during the team practice periods on Thursday. Coach Mike McCarthy said that Rodgers mobility looked good.Well, we have a game plan. He went down and did everything we asked him to do today, McCarthy said. As far as what we do, how we do it, how much we do it, thats what the games for.Rodgers missed two days of light practice last week, along with practice on Wednesday, to focus on treatment for the lingering calf injury. He has already said that he intends to play in Sundays playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.I didnt notice him out there until I saw one ball that kind of squeaked through and went in for a touchdown, veteran cornerback Tramon Williams said. I said, Oh, thats why it squeaked through. Weve got No. 12 in the back. Its a little different.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Jean-Sebastien Giguere Ducks Jersey . Judging by his performance Saturday night, Cotto has plenty left in the tank. Cotto became the first Puerto Rican fighter to win world championships in four weight divisions, stopping Sergio Martinez in their WBC world middleweight title fight Saturday night. Dustin Tokarski Ducks Jersey Authentic .J. Hardy to avoid a three-game sweep after blowing a big early lead. Odour had a leadoff single in the seventh and scored the tiebreaking run with the help of two errors by Hardy as the Rangers went on to beat the Orioles 8-6 on Thursday night. BALTIMORE -- A short and tumultuous work week for the Baltimore Ravens ended with a surprisingly lopsided victory. Playing three days after running back Ray Rice was released, the Ravens got a pair of touchdown passes from Joe Flacco and rolled past the rival Pittsburgh Steelers 26-6 on Thursday night. Rice was reaching the end of a two-game suspension for domestic violence when a video of him striking his then-fiancee surfaced Monday. By the end of the day, the three-time Pro Bowler had been cut by Baltimore and suspended indefinitely by the NFL. The media immediately descended upon the teams training complex, and the line of questioning had little to do with this heated AFC North rivalry. The Ravens (1-1) shrugged off the distraction to bounce back from a season-opening loss at home to division rival Cincinnati. Bernard Pierce took over for Rice to gain 96 yards on 22 carries as part of a ground game that finished with 157 yards. Flacco went 21 for 29 for 166 yards and two TD throws to tight end Owen Daniels, and Justin Tucker kicked four field goals. Pittsburgh (1-1) managed only two field goals and committed three turnovers -- one that halted its opening drive, another that set up a fourth-quarter field goal by Tucker, and an interception by Ben Roethlisberger with 1:51 remaining. It was only the second time in the last 11 regular-season meetings between the teams that the outcome was decided by more than three points. Roethlisberger completed 22 of 37 ppasses for 217 yards. Cam Fowler Ducks Jersey. It was the first time since Nov. 26, 2006, that Baltimore held Pittsburgh without a touchdown. After Tucker kicked a 23-yard field goal for a 20-6 lead, Steelers tight end Heath Miller fumbled on a hit by rookie C.J. Mosley, who took the loose ball to the Pittsburgh 20. That led to a 22-yarder by Tucker with 11:14 left. Although the Rice video and the reaction was the talk of Baltimore for much of the week, a few fans showed their loyalty to the banished running back by wearing his No. 27 jersey. But the crowd of 71,181 was quick to turn its attention to on-field action at the opening kickoff. Aided by a roughing the passer call against Courtney Upshaw on the third play of the game, Pittsburgh held the ball for more than eight minutes before Justin Brown fumbled and Baltimore recovered at its own 15. The Ravens then moved 85 yards in 12 plays with the help of two Pittsburgh penalties, the last a 23-yard pass interference call against Cortez Allen that set up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Daniels. Pierce and Justin Forsett combined for 32 yards on Baltimores next series, which ended in a field goal for a 10-0 lead. Pittsburgh finally broke through with 2:50 left in the half, getting a field goal to cap an 11-play, 73-yard drive. It was 10-6 before Flacco connected with Daniels on a 1-yard touchdown pass to cap an 80-yard drive highlighted by Flaccos 24-yard completion to tight end Dennis Pitta. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
LAS VEGAS -- Xavier Thames scored 19 points to lead No. Jordan Morris Jersey . 10 San Diego State to a 73-64 win over UNLV on Wednesday night. San Diego State (26-3, 15-2 Mountain West) closed the game on a 13-2 run over the final 3:04 to seal its 26th victory of the season, matching the second-highest single-season total in school history. The Aztecs also won a school-record 15th conference game of the season, breaking the previous mark of 14, set in 2010-11. San Diego State, which has now won eight of its last 11 against the Rebels, finished 27-for-63 from the field, including 6 of 14 from 3-point range. After falling behind 62-61 with 3:23 left in the game, Thames completed a three-point play to ignite the Aztecs final scoring spree. The Aztecs, who are 12-2 away from home, are now 11-4 inside the Thomas and Mack Center since the 2010 Mountain West Tournament. This years tournament begins March 12 at the T&M. Thames was one of four Aztecs scoring in double figures, as Matt Shrigley added 14 and Winston Shepard and Dwayne Polee II each had 13. Khem Birch had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead UNLV (19-11, 10-7). Kevin Olekaibe added 10 for the Runnin Rebels. San Diego State took a 12-5 lead in the game, but UNLV used a 10-0 run over a four-minute span midway through the first half to take a 15-12 lead. The Rebels extended their lead to six, 20-14, with 8:41 left, but the Aztecs battled back with a 15-5 run to take a 29-25 lead with 4:39 left until halftime. From there UNLV closed out the half on a 9-4 run to take a 34-33 lead into the locker room. But after shooting 13 of 25 from the field in the first half, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range, the Rebels shot a bleak 7 of 27 from the floor, and were an abysmal 2-for-12 from beyond the arc in the second half. Herculez Gomez Seattle Sounders Jersey . In the opening game of his fourth-round match at the U.S. Open, the owner of 17 major titles got passed at the net twice, sailed a backhand long, then missed two forehands to get broken. Blank Seattle Sounders Jersey . Booth picked up 65 caps after making her national team debut in 2002 at the age of 17. She most recently played for Sky Blue FC of the National Womens Soccer League. "It just felt like it was my time to move on," she said in a phone interview from her hometown of Burlington, Ont.TORONTO a€“ Randy Carlyle preferred to keep his thoughts on 21-year-old winger Josh Leivo to a minimum in this particular instance. I temper all of my enthusiasm, Carlyle said, because this place gets a little crazy if the coach says this or the coach says that. The Maple Leafs head coach would say that Leivo, who had three points in an exhibition win over Buffalo on Friday, has been noticeable through the first 10 days of training camp, adding that hes one young guy thats made an impression. Dave Nonis, Torontos GM, declared on the opening day of camp that there was no reason that a player should have his spot on the team determined by a one-way contract or the size of his salary. Will the organization follow through on that pronouncement if the likes of Leivo, Stuart Percy, Brandon Kozun, Sam Carrick and perhaps Petter Granberg, continue to perform and maybe even outperform their more senior counterparts? Right from the first day theres been an understanding that there [are] jobs here for the taking, Carlyle said Friday, because we have taken on the mantra [that] what we were doing wasnt going to be good enough. And if youre not prepared to step out of your comfort zone and change some of those things that we were prepared to change you. Were not afraid to put people into situations if we believe that theyve earned it. Thats a fair way to deal with people. Leivo potted a goal and offered a couple assists in tandem with Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul against the Sabres, this after a standout rookie season that saw him score 23 goals in 59 AHL games. A return trip to the Marlies was the likeliest scenario at the outset of camp, but thats shifted with his preseason performance so far. He did a lot of good things, Carlyle said, noting his strength in the corners and along the walls. And if he can continue to do that then hes going to make our decisions that much more difficult. But would they keep him ahead of someone on a one-way contract, someone with more experience, someone with more career goals or points? Does the preseason performance of a youngster outweigh the track record of a vet? The challenging balance, it seems, is measuring that veterans performance in a brief camp versus his accomplishments over a number of years. How much, for instance, does David Booth, a veteran of 443 games but one who struggled through a disappointing Vancouver stint, have to prove in exhibition games this fall? I think you always give people the benefit of the doubt, said Carlyle, not referring specifically to Booth, who had nine goals in 66 games with the Canucks. I dont think that you cast people aside. Theres peaks and valleys that take place through the start of training camp. But, he added, [w]e expect our young players to continue to grow into competitive roles here and make sure that our veteran players are not putting themselves in a position where somebody is working to take their opportunity or pushing them aside. I donnt think it matters [what you did] in the past at all, Matt Frattin said, the 26-year-old coming off a bumpy campaign split between Los Angeles and Columbus. Darwin Jones Jersey. [Maybe] for a little bit if you played for eight, nine years, like a Robidas or Polak, but as a young guy youre just trying to fight for your job every day. It seems unlikely, however, that the Leafs would risk losing an asset (like Frattin) for nothing if he underperformed at camp. Though 22 forwards remain after the latest round of cuts on Saturday, only one job (maybe two) figures to be there for the taking a€“ barring an unexpected demotion. Leivo probably leads that field which includes the familiar Troy Bodie, the teenage William Nylander, NHL tweener Carter Ashton, and not to mention longer shots like Carrick, Kozun and Petri Kontiola. Im just coming out each game and trying to show what Ive got and hopefully I can crack this squad, Leivo said. Another gig could emerge if the facial injury to David Clarkson keeps him out for any extended period of time. Clarkson was due to visit a specialist for his swollen right cheekbone on Saturday afternoon following a fight with Cody McCormick in Buffalo. Colton Orr, controversial as it may be under the Leafs changing landscape, stands a good chance of remaining as the teams 14th forward, his place in Carlyles good books unchanged. Defence is where Torontos job competition has suddenly become a little more interesting. A steady veteran type, Henrik Tallinder appeared the logical leader for what is ultimately the seventh gig on the back-end. But he suffered a dislocated left shoulder on Friday, dampening his chances considerably. That leaves Percy, Granberg and 26-year-old Korbinian Holzer as the final contenders. The youngest of the group and a first round pick in 2011, Percy has nudged his way further into the mix with a heady all-around game, though his size, foot-speed and overall readiness remain in question. Partnering mostly with Roman Polak in the most recent exhibition match, Percy played nearly 23 minutes and added an assist on Leivos power-play goal. Different player, Carlyle said of Percy, remarking on the change from last fall to here in 2014. I still think the speed of the game and his foot speed is going to be something hes going to have to continue to improve on, but you cant take away his puck-moving ability and his hockey sense. Its worth noting that of the trio, only Holzer, in the final year of a two-year deal, requires waivers and thus could be lost to an opposing club if not kept on the roster. We think that our young players have done a great job of competing for positions, Carlyle said. Scratched up after a pair of dustups with the Sabres a€“ including a showdown with 6-foot-8 Tyler Myers a€“ Carrick, like Leivo, made himself noticed over the weekend. Im just trying to make an impression, he said, a good impression that is. Whatever I can do to make myself noticed. 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LAS VEGAS -- Xavier Thames scored 19 points to lead No. Jordan Morris Jersey . 10 San Diego State to a 73-64 win over UNLV on Wednesday night. San Diego State (26-3, 15-2 Mountain West) closed the game on a 13-2 run over the final 3:04 to seal its 26th victory of the season, matching the second-highest single-season total in school history. The Aztecs also won a school-record 15th conference game of the season, breaking the previous mark of 14, set in 2010-11. San Diego State, which has now won eight of its last 11 against the Rebels, finished 27-for-63 from the field, including 6 of 14 from 3-point range. After falling behind 62-61 with 3:23 left in the game, Thames completed a three-point play to ignite the Aztecs final scoring spree. The Aztecs, who are 12-2 away from home, are now 11-4 inside the Thomas and Mack Center since the 2010 Mountain West Tournament. This years tournament begins March 12 at the T&M. Thames was one of four Aztecs scoring in double figures, as Matt Shrigley added 14 and Winston Shepard and Dwayne Polee II each had 13. Khem Birch had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead UNLV (19-11, 10-7). Kevin Olekaibe added 10 for the Runnin Rebels. San Diego State took a 12-5 lead in the game, but UNLV used a 10-0 run over a four-minute span midway through the first half to take a 15-12 lead. The Rebels extended their lead to six, 20-14, with 8:41 left, but the Aztecs battled back with a 15-5 run to take a 29-25 lead with 4:39 left until halftime. From there UNLV closed out the half on a 9-4 run to take a 34-33 lead into the locker room. But after shooting 13 of 25 from the field in the first half, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range, the Rebels shot a bleak 7 of 27 from the floor, and were an abysmal 2-for-12 from beyond the arc in the second half. Herculez Gomez Seattle Sounders Jersey . In the opening game of his fourth-round match at the U.S. Open, the owner of 17 major titles got passed at the net twice, sailed a backhand long, then missed two forehands to get broken. Blank Seattle Sounders Jersey . Booth picked up 65 caps after making her national team debut in 2002 at the age of 17. She most recently played for Sky Blue FC of the National Womens Soccer League. "It just felt like it was my time to move on," she said in a phone interview from her hometown of Burlington, Ont.TORONTO a€“ Randy Carlyle preferred to keep his thoughts on 21-year-old winger Josh Leivo to a minimum in this particular instance. I temper all of my enthusiasm, Carlyle said, because this place gets a little crazy if the coach says this or the coach says that. The Maple Leafs head coach would say that Leivo, who had three points in an exhibition win over Buffalo on Friday, has been noticeable through the first 10 days of training camp, adding that hes one young guy thats made an impression. Dave Nonis, Torontos GM, declared on the opening day of camp that there was no reason that a player should have his spot on the team determined by a one-way contract or the size of his salary. Will the organization follow through on that pronouncement if the likes of Leivo, Stuart Percy, Brandon Kozun, Sam Carrick and perhaps Petter Granberg, continue to perform and maybe even outperform their more senior counterparts? Right from the first day theres been an understanding that there [are] jobs here for the taking, Carlyle said Friday, because we have taken on the mantra [that] what we were doing wasnt going to be good enough. And if youre not prepared to step out of your comfort zone and change some of those things that we were prepared to change you. Were not afraid to put people into situations if we believe that theyve earned it. Thats a fair way to deal with people. Leivo potted a goal and offered a couple assists in tandem with Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul against the Sabres, this after a standout rookie season that saw him score 23 goals in 59 AHL games. A return trip to the Marlies was the likeliest scenario at the outset of camp, but thats shifted with his preseason performance so far. He did a lot of good things, Carlyle said, noting his strength in the corners and along the walls. And if he can continue to do that then hes going to make our decisions that much more difficult. But would they keep him ahead of someone on a one-way contract, someone with more experience, someone with more career goals or points? Does the preseason performance of a youngster outweigh the track record of a vet? The challenging balance, it seems, is measuring that veterans performance in a brief camp versus his accomplishments over a number of years. How much, for instance, does David Booth, a veteran of 443 games but one who struggled through a disappointing Vancouver stint, have to prove in exhibition games this fall? I think you always give people the benefit of the doubt, said Carlyle, not referring specifically to Booth, who had nine goals in 66 games with the Canucks. I dont think that you cast people aside. Theres peaks and valleys that take place through the start of training camp. But, he added, [w]e expect our young players to continue to grow into competitive roles here and make sure that our veteran players are not putting themselves in a position where somebody is working to take their opportunity or pushing them aside. I donnt think it matters [what you did] in the past at all, Matt Frattin said, the 26-year-old coming off a bumpy campaign split between Los Angeles and Columbus. Darwin Jones Jersey. [Maybe] for a little bit if you played for eight, nine years, like a Robidas or Polak, but as a young guy youre just trying to fight for your job every day. It seems unlikely, however, that the Leafs would risk losing an asset (like Frattin) for nothing if he underperformed at camp. Though 22 forwards remain after the latest round of cuts on Saturday, only one job (maybe two) figures to be there for the taking a€“ barring an unexpected demotion. Leivo probably leads that field which includes the familiar Troy Bodie, the teenage William Nylander, NHL tweener Carter Ashton, and not to mention longer shots like Carrick, Kozun and Petri Kontiola. Im just coming out each game and trying to show what Ive got and hopefully I can crack this squad, Leivo said. Another gig could emerge if the facial injury to David Clarkson keeps him out for any extended period of time. Clarkson was due to visit a specialist for his swollen right cheekbone on Saturday afternoon following a fight with Cody McCormick in Buffalo. Colton Orr, controversial as it may be under the Leafs changing landscape, stands a good chance of remaining as the teams 14th forward, his place in Carlyles good books unchanged. Defence is where Torontos job competition has suddenly become a little more interesting. A steady veteran type, Henrik Tallinder appeared the logical leader for what is ultimately the seventh gig on the back-end. But he suffered a dislocated left shoulder on Friday, dampening his chances considerably. That leaves Percy, Granberg and 26-year-old Korbinian Holzer as the final contenders. The youngest of the group and a first round pick in 2011, Percy has nudged his way further into the mix with a heady all-around game, though his size, foot-speed and overall readiness remain in question. Partnering mostly with Roman Polak in the most recent exhibition match, Percy played nearly 23 minutes and added an assist on Leivos power-play goal. Different player, Carlyle said of Percy, remarking on the change from last fall to here in 2014. I still think the speed of the game and his foot speed is going to be something hes going to have to continue to improve on, but you cant take away his puck-moving ability and his hockey sense. Its worth noting that of the trio, only Holzer, in the final year of a two-year deal, requires waivers and thus could be lost to an opposing club if not kept on the roster. We think that our young players have done a great job of competing for positions, Carlyle said. Scratched up after a pair of dustups with the Sabres a€“ including a showdown with 6-foot-8 Tyler Myers a€“ Carrick, like Leivo, made himself noticed over the weekend. Im just trying to make an impression, he said, a good impression that is. Whatever I can do to make myself noticed. 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NEW YORK -- Curtis Granderson hit his first leadoff homer in five years, Carlos Torres and two other relievers filled in admirably for an ailing Daisuke Matsuzaka and the New York Mets beat the San Diego Padres 3-1 Sunday. Jonathan Ericsson Red Wings Jersey . Bobby Abreu added an RBI double in the first and Daniel Murphy had a sacrifice fly in the second against a shaky Ian Kennedy (5-8), helping New York take the rubber game in a series between the two worst hitting teams in the majors. On a day Mets manager Terry Collins said he needed seven innings from Matsuzaka to help cover for a depleted bullpen, the right-hander barely made it through an inning because of a severe upset stomach. Making his fourth start of the season, Matsuzaka was visited on the mound by Collins, a trainer and a translator after a two-out walk to Seth Smith. The 34-year-old Japanese pitcher took several deep breaths before remaining in the game. He got the next batter, Chase Headley, on a groundout to end the inning. Matsuzaka gingerly walked off the mound after one inning, shook hands with Collins and headed straight for the clubhouse. Torres (3-4) relieved Matsuzaka to start the second, and the late-inning reliever looked unsettled. He gave up three straight singles, including Rene Riveras RBI infield hit. But he didnt give up another hit in four innings, tossing a season-high 63 pitches. Vic Black pitched two scoreless innings and Jenrry Mejia made his first appearance since leaving Thursday nights game with a stiff back, working two hitless innings for his seventh save. While the Mets used five extra-base hits -- two doubles by Lucas Duda -- in improving to 5-9 for June, San Diego fell to 3-10 for the month. Batting .216 as a team coming in, the Padres made several mental mistakes on the basepaths. Manager Bud Black had several words for pinch-hitter Alexi Amarista when he returned to the dugout in the seventh inning after failing to run out a grounder that Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores bobbled. Atop the order for the first time this season, Granderson sent a 1-0 pitch from Kennedy halfway up the porch in right field for his first leadoff homer since 2009 with Detroit and 25th overall. Murphy then doubled to left field, David Wright walked and Abreu doubled in a run. But the Mets failed to add on against a shaky Kennedy, stranding runners on second and third. Wright had an opportunity to give the Mets some cushion in the sixth, but he popped out to right field with the bases loaded. The Mets are now 11 for 68 (.162) with the bases jammed. NOTES: Kennedy gave up seven hits and three runs in 5 1-3 innings. ... The Padres placed RHP Nick Vincent on the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 12, because of right shoulder fatigue. They selected the contract of RHP Blaine Boyer from Triple-A El Paso to fill Vincents spot. ... Mets minor league RHP Rafael Montero left his start for Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday night in the first inning because of a left oblique strain. The Mets completed the trade that sent Ike Davis to Pittsburgh on April 18. They received 19-year-old LHP Blake Taylor, the Pirates second-round selection (51st overall) in 2013. ... The Mets next face the Cardinals in St. Louis and San Diego heads to Seattle for Monday games. Danny DeKeyser Red Wings Jersey . Hes coming back to fulfil them. One of Europes top coaches, Blatt was hired Friday by the Cavaliers, who ended a sweeping, 39-day search with an out-of-the-box selection they hope changes their fortunes. Luke Glendening Red Wings Jersey .Y. -- Mike Zigomaniss goal at 5:53 of the third period stood up as the winner as the Rochester Americans hung on to defeat the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs 3-2 on Saturday in American Hockey League action.OAKLAND, Calif. -- During a players meeting following the All-Star break, Jermaine ONeal promised his teammates to play the rest of the regular season like he would never play again -- because he very well might not. The 18-year NBA veteran has backed up his words more than anybody ever expected. ONeal had season highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds to carry the load for an undermanned frontcourt, and the Golden State Warriors held off the Brooklyn Nets 93-86 Saturday night for their third straight victory since the break. "Whatever I have, Im going to leave it on the able. Ive said that quite a few times, but Im dead serious," said the 36-year-old ONeal, who missed extensive time following surgery on his wrist earlier this season. "You may have to wheel me out of here at the end of the season, but thats what Im going to do." With Andrew Bogut sidelined with a left shoulder injury and David Lee out with a stomach flu, ONeal followed up his game-saving block that preserved Golden States overtime victory against Houston on Thursday night with a vintage performance. ONeal shot 10 for 13 from the floor, and Draymond Green scored a career-best 18 points to go with 10 rebounds starting in Lees place. Stephen Curry banked in a big 3-pointer in the final minute to finish with 17 points, and the Warriors won three games in a row for the first time since the Nets ended their 10-game winning streak on Jan. 8 in Brooklyn -- crediting ONeal for leading the way in the locker room and on the court. "Hes getting an opportunity to put a stamp on what he says," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "Its no longer what he says, its what hes doing." The veteran Nets never matched the intensity. Deron Williams had 20 points and six assists, and Joe Johnson scored 15 points for Brooklyn, which struggled to shoot from 3-point range and was just as careless passing. Brooklyn made just 2 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc and committed 16 turnovers. "I thought we had a lot of good shots, they just didnt fall," said Nets forward Paul Pierce, who scored 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting. "Sometimes you live by the 3, you die by the 3. We should attack more, especially with them limited in their big men." The Nets made sure the game moved at a plodding pace untill the final minutes. Dylan Larkin Red Wings Jersey. Johnson made an 18-foot fadeaway to tie the score at 84 with 2:22 remaining. Green followed with two free throws, then Andray Blatche converted a tying layup. ONeal drew a foul on the other end and hit two free throws -- getting another chance after missing his second attempt because of a hitch in his release that drew a lane violation -- to give Golden State an 88-86 lead. On Brooklyns next possession, Johnsons pass was deflected before hitting Williams hands and landing out of bounds. Curry quickly came back by banking in a 3-pointer to put the Warriors up 91-86 with 37 seconds remaining and put the game out of reach. The win moved the Warriors (34-22) a season-high 12 games over .500. They begin a six-game road trip -- all against Eastern Conference opponents -- at Detroit on Monday. Golden States smaller lineup gave the Nets fits from the start. Curry hit two 3-pointers during an 18-6 run to open the game. Brooklyns slow start compounded when Shaun Livingston left in the first quarter with a bruised tailbone after falling hard when he was fouled by Harrison Barnes going for a layup. The team said X-rays on Livingston were negative. Just like they did in Brooklyn, though, the Nets rallied from an early deficit against Golden States second unit. Brooklyn took the lead for the first time when Williams started a three-point play on a layup over Andre Iguodala, putting the Nets up 46-44 late in the second quarter. They never led again. "Even though we didnt shoot the ball extremely well from behind the arc, it was a game until the last minute," Nets coach Jason Kidd said. "On the road against a team like Golden State, thats all you can ask for." NOTES: Green said he was in an accident driving to the game, but that no one was injured. ... Nets G Marcus Thornton sat out with a stomach illness. He has yet to play since being traded from Sacramento on Wednesday for Jason Terry and Reggie Evans. ... Warriors coach Mark Jackson said Bogut, who missed his seventh straight game because of an ailing left shoulder, will likely return at some point during the Warriors six-game road trip. ... The Warriors signed C Hilton Armstrong to a 10-day contract, calling him from the teams NBA Development League affiliate in Santa Cruz. 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SUNRISE, Fla. Ryan Garbutt Jersey . - Nick Bjugstad took a deep breath before his second attempt in the longest shootout in NHL history.And when he finally exhaled and scored, the Florida Panthers had outlasted the Washington Capitals in a whopping 20 rounds.Ive never seen anything like that, Florida goalie Roberto Luongo said.Bjugstad scored the game-winning goal to give the Panthers a 2-1 victory Tuesday night, beating Braden Holtby on the right side with the 40th shot of the tiebreaker. The previous NHL shootout record was 15 rounds, when the New York Rangers beat Washington on Nov. 26, 2005.I kind of relaxed, took a deep breath and tried going in there with confidence and it worked out, Bjugstad said.Bjugstad, who missed in the second round of the shootout, held the puck, deked and then fired it past Holtby into the open net.The Panthers outscored the Capitals 6-5 in the tiebreaker; the six goals were the most ever in a shootout. Jussi Jokinen, Dave Bolland, Derek MacKenzie, Sean Bergenheim and Dylan Olsen were also successful for Florida.The Panthers were down to their last shot five times and answered with a goal each time.The great thing is, I dont know how many times guys bailed me out where they had to score to keep it alive and they did every time. It was amazing, Luongo said.Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich, Joel Ward, John Carlson and Brooks Orpik had shootout goals for the Capitals.MacKenzie scored in regulation for Florida, and Luongo made 23 saves.Troy Brouwer scored in regulation for Washington and Holtby stopped 28 shots. The Capitals have points in six straight games.Even though we lost, it was very entertaining, Brouwer said. We were having a little fun on the bench. We would have liked to come out on the other end of it. Anytime you go 20 shooters in a shootout, thats entertaining.The Capitals are 1-3 in shootouts this season.At first youre (thinking), just get the shootout victory, but once it got to 15, 16, 17; actually it was quite fun, Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. You just sort of lived in the moment and hope that you got the two points. Unfortunately, we didnt.But not everyone enjoyed the extended shootout, which lasted 17 minutes, 43 seconds.It definitely wasnt fun to be a part of it, Holtby said. Being on the end that I had to make a save numerous times when the game was on the line and I didnt; thats not a fun spot to be in.The Panthers are 4-0-1 in their last five home games. The win was only their second in their past 12 games against the Capitals. The Panthers lost Oct. 18 in a shootout at Washington.The previous record for the Panthers was 11 shootout rounds on Nov. 28, 2007, also against the Capitals.Florida is 3-4 in shootouts this season.That was exciting. Everybody loved that, especially with the way it ended, winning a game like that with Bjugstads goal, Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said.With the score tied 1-all at 3:08 of the third, it appeared the Capitals took the lead when the puck slid by Luongo and into the net. The goal was overruled after a video review because it was determined that Laich kicked in the puck with his left skate.The Panthers took a 1-0 lead when MacKenzie one-timed a rebound at 9:36 of the first. The Capitals tried to clear from behind the net and the puck went off the skate of Floridas Scottie Upshall and out in front, where MacKenzie beat Holtby on the glove side.The Capitals tied it on Brouwers power-play goal in the second. Alex Ovechkin passed from the left circle across to Brouwer in the slot. His wrist shot beat Luongo on the glove side at 14:35 for his ninth goal of the season.I think we made some history tonight, and the chances of that happening again are one in a million, Trotz said.NOTES: Holtby made his 13th consecutive start for the Capitals. ... Panthers defenceman Dylan Olsen played his 100th NHL game. ... Upshall and Aleksander Barkov returned to the Florida lineup after missing nine and six games, respectively. Hampus Lindholm Jersey .Y. -- Major League Soccer has agreed to new measures to protect gay players from discrimination and harassment as a result of meetings with New Yorks attorney general. Simon Despres Jersey .com) - Thursday marks the official debut of a new dirt racing surface at Meydan Racecourse.BALTIMORE -- Every once in a while, Chris Davis conjures memories of last season by effortlessly launching a baseball far over the outfield wall. Davis interrupted his frustrating season with such a moment Saturday, hitting a two-run homer off knuckleballer R.A. Dickey to carry the Baltimore Orioles past the skidding Toronto Blue Jays 3-2. Davis batted .286 with 53 home runs and 138 RBIs last year. This season, hes at .228 with 11 long balls and 33 RBIs. His work ethic, however, remains the same. "Theres no change in my approach. Ive been doing everything I can to try to get back to feeling good in the box," Davis said. "I felt the last couple of days Ive started to click a little bit. Didnt have a lot to show for it." Davis ended an 0-for-9 drought with a drive that put the Orioles up 3-1 in the fifth. "Big home run for the team in the situation, and the individual," teammate Adam Jones said. "Hes been grinding it out." Orioles starter Bud Norris (6-5) gave up one run and seven hits in 6 2-3 innings to win his third straight start. The right-hander extended an impressive run by Orioles starters, who have allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of the last 16 games. "Were all out there to help each other and get better," Norris said. "Right now were kind of cruising." After Toronto closed to 3-2 in the eighth, Zach Britton got three outs for his seventh save. Brett Lawrie had two hits and an RBI for the Blue Jays, who have lost six of eight. The AL East leaders have scored only six runs in those six defeats. "I thought we had pretty good ABs for the most part," catcher Josh Thole said. "Its tough when youre not getting guys in." Dickey (6-5) left with right groin tightness after allowing three runs, two earned, and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. It was the first time this season hes taken a loss when permitting as few as three runs. Dickey felt a twinge after getting Manny Machado out, then left after taking a practice pitch. "I didnt want to jeopardize my next start," Dickey said. "I was probably out of the game after that next batter, anyway. I decided it was probably in everybodys best interest to just call it a day." Toronto nearly got Dickey off the hook. John Gibson Ducks Jersey. In the seventh, Orioles reliever Darren ODay retired Melky Cabrera on a grounder with two outs and two on. One inning later, Jose Bautista was thrown out in a very close play at the plate while trying to score on a double by Edwin Encarnacion. Left fielder Nelson Cruz retrieved the ball and threw to shortstop J.J. Hardy, who fired the relay to catcher Nick Hundley. "The big play in the game was obviously the relay throw," Davis said. "That was a big hit for Encarnacion and a chance for them to get back into the game and get really good momentum in their dugout." Lawrie followed with an RBI single. The Blue Jays stranded nine and went 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position. "This has been a tough run here so we need to hopefully regroup," Thole said. "Were playing behind every night." With the score 1-all in the fifth, Jones hit a grounder to third. The throw by Juan Francisco bounced past first base, and Jones lightly pushed umpire Hunter Wendelstedt while rounding the bag. The umpire toppled backward onto the infield dirt but was not hurt. Davis followed by hitting a 1-0 pitch over the centre field wall and into the Baltimore bullpen. "We got burned by the home run ball," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. Earlier, Dickey got into trouble in the first inning when Nick Markakis led off with an infield hit and Machado doubled. But Jones, Davis and Cruz followed with popups. In the Toronto second, Norris hit Lawrie with a pitch before walking Thole with the bases loaded. Baltimore tied it in the fourth when Hundley delivered a sacrifice fly following singles by Delmon Young and Ryan Flaherty. NOTES: Toronto DH Adam Lind left with a bruised right foot. ... The Blue Jays activated RHP Sergio Santos (right elbow) from the DL and optioned OF Darin Mastroianni to Triple-A Buffalo. Santos was needed in the bullpen after LHP Brett Cecil left Fridays game with groin tightness. Cecil will rest for a few days before being reevaluated. ... Jones went 0 for 3 against Dickey and is 3 for 22 lifetime against the knuckleballer. ... Toronto is 34-17 when hitting a HR and 6-13 without one. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
SOCHI, Russia – When the Canadian management team, headed by executive director Steve Yzerman, gathered in recent months to evaluate the crop of players that would be selected to play for Team Canada at the Sochi Olympics two central attributes emerged above all else. Sean Monahan Flames Jersey Authentic . There was the requisite hockey sense demanded from the countrys very best and of equal importance, if not more so, was the ability to burn up and down the ice, the latter of significant consequence on the generally unfamiliar international ice surface. "I think we have a really good mix of players here that bring a lot of elements," said Doug Armstrong, the Blues GM and a member of Team Canadas management team, "but the one element they all have is skating ability." Its likely why someone like 34-year-old Joe Thornton – a member of the gold medal winning squad in 2010 and top point producer again this season, but certainly not the fleetest of foot – was not named to the team this time around, replaced by explosive types such as Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn. In fact, the Canadian roster in Vancouver featured a number of players who were probably never be described as quick – Jarome Iginla, Brendan Morrow, Dany Heatley, Eric Staal – but could get around just fine, at that point in their respective careers, on the NHL-sized ice. "I think you see some players that can play on the North American ice [that are] not quite as fleet of foot, but the space they have to get to they can get to quicker and hold it longer. From the corners to the front of the net the distance isnt as great. I think its a different style," Armstrong said. "A bigger man can have success maybe in the North American game thats a little harder to have here." Absent is a single player on this roster who cant get up and down the ice effectively. Quickly adjusting to the larger international ice surface – 15 additional feet wide – will be among the greater challenges facing the Canadians as they look to become the first back-to-back gold medal winning squad in the NHL era of the Olympics. All of which explains why swiftness on skates – not to mention the ability to move the puck with equal speed and precision – was such a fundamental asset in the selection process. Canada managed to win its first gold in 50 years on the Olympic size ice in Salt Lake City, but fell badly short four years later in Torino – they finished a distant seventh. Though other gold medal hopefuls face a similar challenge – with the vast majority of talent migrating to Russia from the NHL – the Canadians (and Americans certainly) will be required to climb a somewhat higher hill, having only played on the 200 by 100 foot surface sparingly. "Theres no question," said head coach Mike Babcock, "when youve grown up your whole life playing on one surface youre probably pretty comfortable with that surface. I know we are in North America. So theres a little adjustment, well get it worked out." One adjustment Babcock will seek is shorter shift lengths: from the NHL standard of 45 seconds down to 40 seconds with more space to cover and ground potentially to protect. He and the coaching staff, which includes big ice expert and former Swiss National Team coach Ralph Krueger, will also stress the need to attack inside on the offensive end, rather than linger on the perimeter as an opponent would prefer. "As much wider [as] the rink is you still want to play an up and down, north and south game and I think its the strength of our team to be able to play at a high speed, high tempo, all four lines," said John Tavares, who played on the bigger ice in Switzerland during the last lockout. "I think thats where were going to be at our best." Other immediate challenges facing Canada (and just about every country) include the required role alterations demanded of NHL stars and energy-sapping jet lag, an adjustment most countries will face in some way or another. "We can talk about the size of the ice surface," said Yzerman, "but I think its adjusting to playing a lesser role. Youve got forwards that are used to playing 21-22 minutes a game that are going to play 10 and 11 and defencemen that are used to playing 27 playing 18. Thats a huge adjustment for them all." Stars and scoring champs are fighting for even the slightest bit of ice-time. Martin St. Louis was the oldest Art Ross winner in NHL history last season (he was 37) and has kept the Lightning afloat save the injured Steven Stamkos again this season, but he finds himself grinding amongst 14 forwards for an opportunity. He and Duchene, a fellow first-timer were on the outside of the forward lines on the opening day of practice at Bolshoy Ice Dome. "When I talked to St. Louis in Tampa I told him he was one of 14 forwards and that he has to grab his piece," said Babcock. "Thats what weve told everyone; theyve got to find a way to grab their piece." Babcock was flipping through lineups and line combinations from the triumphant experience in Vancouver alongside assistant coach Claude Julien and came to a very simple conclusion: things can change in a hurry. Mike Richards for instance, rose from the 14th forward to a key member of an effective trio which included Jonathan Toews and Rick Nash. "Its a competitive environment and we expect our guys to compete for their ice-time," Babcock said. The Canadian head coach got creative in his attempts to quell the effects of jet lag. Players were given a special package for the plane ride over to Sochi, a kit that included eye covers, ear plugs, melatonin, vitamins, and compression socks to reduce the possibility of swelling in the feet. They were also told to sleep no longer than four hours (some did anyway) and stay up until midnight if possible. All to curtail the effects of the drastic change in time zones. "Keep the players up," Babcock said of his goals for a practice that begin at 8pm local time. "We thought if we got some exercise at this time of night we had a better chance of staying up til midnight." Deryk Engelland Flames Jersey . Vonn punctuated her near-perfect season in perfect fashion Friday, earning her fourth overall World Cup title with a dominating giant slalom victory. Mikael Backlund Flames Jersey Authentic .Michael Briscoe is serving a life sentence for sexual assault, kidnapping and first-degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Nina Courtepatte in 2005.The NHLPA says the Calgary Flames cannot mandate its players wear protective foot and ankle equipment commonly known as "shotblockers." Flames general manager Jay Feaster instructed his players get fitted for the guards after Calgary captain Mark Giordano suffered a broken ankle and veteran forward Lee Stempniak broke his foot after being hit by pucks last month. Flames players have informed the Players Association they were strongly encouraged by Flames management to wear the shotblockers, but were told the equipment wasnt mandatory. However, Feaster says this is a mandatory team policy which may create a problem as such a policy could be viewed as a CBA violation. (CBA 30.3 Amendments -- The NHL and its Clubs shall not, during the term of this Agreement or any extension thereof, amend or modify the provisions (or portions thereof) of the League Rules or any of the Leagues Playing Rules in existence on the date of this Agreement that affect any terms or conditions of employment of any Player, without the prior written consent of the NHLPA which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The NHL shall furnish proposed amendments to and/or modifications of League Rules that affect any terms or conditions of employment of any Player upon the NHLPAs written request.) "No team can unilaterally make a piece of eqquipment mandatory," Mathieu Schneider, Special Assistant to NHLPA Executive Director Don Fehr, told the Dreger Report. Michael Frolik Flames Jersey Authentic. Equipment discussions and proposed changes are expected to funnel through the newly-formed equipment sub-committee before moving on to the joint competition committee and, ultimately, to the board for final approval. All Flames players are complying with managements policy and are currently wearing some form of additional foot protection. The NHLPA intends on reaching out to the NHL to discuss its concerns with Calgarys approach. While very sensitive to why the Flames are doing what they are doing, Schneider worries about "knee-jerk" reactions by NHL clubs and the potential for unintended consequence, such as another injury if teams are allowed to armor their players without going through the appropriate procedural steps. Schneider points toward the ongoing work being done between the league and PA on potential changes to shoulder pads as an example of how thorough the process of full-scale equipment changes has to be. Years ago, players opted for a much larger shoulder pad for added protection. Now, the focus is on developing a smaller and less damaging shoulder pad, in hindsight, correcting an issue that was created by good intentions and in the spirit of safety. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
BUFFALO, N. Jarred Tinordi Coyotes Jersey .Y. -- Vincent Lecavaliers sore back is getting better. So is his self-confidence. Lecavalier capped a topsy-turvy finish by scoring with 15 seconds left, sending the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. It was his first goal since Nov. 27, a 22-game span that included nine games he missed with a back injury. "It felt good. Theyve been hard to come by since I got back from my injury," Lecavalier said. "Sometimes a goal like that will kind of, I dont want to say jumpstart, but get more confidence and keep going." The goal came during a scramble in the Sabres end and after Lecavalier missed on two other chances in the final 2-plus minutes. After his initial shot just missed the net, teammate Matt Read dug out a loose puck to the left of the Buffalo net and fed Lecavalier, who one-timed a shot from the left circle. The goal capped a furious finish in which the teams traded leads twice by combining to score four times in the final 6:32. Scott Hartnell had a goal and two assists, while Brayden Schenn and Jakub Voracek also scored in helping Philadelphia snap a two-game skid. Wayne Simmonds had two assists for the Flyers (24-19-4), who improved to 8-3 in their past 11 games. It was a game in which the Flyers twice rallied from one-goal deficits, and won for the eighth time this season when trailing in the third period. "Never give up, thats probably the biggest thing," said Hartnell, who has five goals and eight assists in his past 13 games. "We showed a lot of character, especially late there coming back." The Sabres, by comparison, wilted in what proved to be yet another reflection of why the young and patchwork teams NHL-worst record dropped to 13-27-5. Cody Hodgson and Matt DAgostini each had a goal and assist for Buffalo, which had an eight-game home point streak snapped at 6-0-2. Tyler Ennis also scored and Steve Ott set up two for the Sabres. "Missed assignments, not determined enough to battle for the puck, spinning and turning off hits, not getting an inch in the lanes, all of the above," interim coach Ted Nolan said, assessing what went wrong. "We just didnt do what we were supposed to do at the end." Nolan could add undisciplined penalties to the list. The Flyers converted two of six power-play chances, including Hartnells goal that put Philadelphia ahead 3-2 with Buffalos Zenon Konopka off for goalie interference. The Sabres squandered a rare offensive outburst, and blew a chance to win consecutive games for only the third time this season. Buffalo managed three goals in regulation for the first time in 10 games and only the ninth time this season. Buffalo also wasted what was a solid outing by backup goalie Jhonas Enroth, who stopped 29 shots but got little help in front on all four Flyers goals. That included Lecavaliers goal, during which a Sabres defender pushed a Flyers player into Enroth. Enroth did make a highlight-reel save on Claude Giroux 12 minutes into the first period, when he dived to his right and punched his glove out to stop the shot. The goalie also robbed Lecavalier with 2:23 left, when the forwards centring pass from a bad angle struck Sabres defenceman Mike Weber in front. The puck fluttered toward the net before Enroth dropped his stick and managed to smother it in the crease. NOTES: Sabres D Tyler Myers is eligible to return at Toronto on Wednesday after sitting out the third and final game of his suspension for an illegal check to the head of New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus. ... Read returned after missing six games with concussion-like symptoms. ... Sabres President Pat LaFontaine said he thinks the team and rookie centre Mikhail Grigorenko are "on the same page" regarding the 2012 first-round picks development after the player initially balked at reporting to his Canadian junior team in Quebec City last weekend. LaFontaine said Grigorenko needs to develop by continuing to play, which would not have happened if he stayed in Buffalo with the 17-day Olympic break approaching next month. "Were doing what we think is best to develop our players," LaFontaine said. "I really believe under all the circumstances, that (Quebec City) is the best place for him." ... DAgostini earned his 100th career point with an assist on Hodgsons game-opening goal. Connor Murphy Jersey .Y. -- Mark Steenhuis scored four goals and added two assists to lead the Buffalo Bandits over the Toronto Rock 12-10 in National Lacrosse League action on Saturday. Max Domi Coyotes Jersey . - After a back-and-forth battle throughout the season, Alex Guenette has earned the 2013 rookie of the year award for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 by just one point over Ryley Seibert.Amateurs Sam Waley-Cohen and Nina Carberry are now free to ride in the Grand National at Aintree, after the British Horseracing Authority ruled suspensions due to apply on that day will not stand owing to ambiguous wording of the Rule. Waley-Cohen was banned for seven days following his ride on Long Run at Carlisle on Sunday, while Carberry was similarly hit after her winning effort aboard On The Fringe at Cheltenham.National day, April 9, was due to be part of Waley-Cohens ban, and was the concluding date of Carberrys - but the BHA tweeted: Owing to ambiguous wording of the Rule, suspensions imposed on Sam Waley-Cohen and Nina Carberry will no longer apply on Grand National day. This decision follows a representation to this effect being made by Sam Waley-Cohen today.Waley-Cohen had on Thursday appealed against his ban on now-retired former Gold Cup winner Long Run.Waley-Cohen sent his mount straight into the lead on what was his first start for 672 days and while he jumped well for much of the three-mile journey, a couple of significant errors led to him coming under pressure.Long Run looked sure to finish third after jumping the final fence, but Waley-Cohen appeared to stop riding for a few strides after the last before pushing him out again, being passed by Barachois Silver and Durban Gold and beating just one rival home.Long Run was retired on the spot, while Waley-Cohen was found guilty of failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing in that he failed to ride out on a horse that could have finished third.Having viewed the film of the race and heard all the evidence, a BHA disciplinary panel, while accepting Long Run was tiring, felt that he could have finished third - but for the fact that Waley-Cohen stopped riding for 12 strides on the run-in.The dates of the suspension were due to include the Grand National and the Fox Hunters Chase at Aintree, although the latter still stands.The panel ordered Waley-Cohens deposit be forfeited as no new evidence was produced, other than that which was considered by the Carlisle stewards on the day.Waley-Cohen is the most successful rider in modern history over the National fences at Aintree, winning six times, including the Topham Handicap Chase over the daunting obstacles 12 months ago.The National confusion centred around the Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle, which is restricted to conditional and amateur jockeys.Waley-Cohen told Press Association Sport: The rules as they aree written say they (amateur riders) are banned on a day when there is an amateur chase or an amateur hurdle, but the race after the National is for amateurs and conditionals. Arizona Coyotes Jersey. That means it is not an amateur race.Its been a bit of a roller-coaster of a day. From all the disappointment and everything else, the hope is now there. All I need now is a horse.Carberry is also very much in demand over the National obstacles, completing the course four times from five tries, most recently on First Lieutenant last year.A statement from the BHA read: Having received representation from Sam Waley-Cohen today, following his unsuccessful appeal against the seven-day suspension imposed on him by the Carlisle Stewards on 20 March 2016, the British Horseracing Authority has this evening amended the dates of the suspensions imposed on both Sam Waley-Cohen and Nina Carberry to the extent that they will no longer apply on Grand National day, April 9, 2016.The representation from Sam Waley-Cohen suggested that the way in which the Schedule of the Rules was worded was ambiguous. While the intention of the Schedule is to suspend amateur riders when races are taking place in which they can participate, the BHA accept that the various changes to the Schedule over the years mean that the Rule is open to different interpretation.The ban was previously scheduled to apply on Grand National day because of the existence of a hurdle race at Aintree which is confined to amateur riders and conditional jockeys. However, the specific wording of Schedule (B)1 10.1 of the Rules of Racing states that a riding suspension imposed on an Amateur Rider will apply:10.1.2 when the Rule Contravention occurs in a steeple chase, hurdle race or National Hunt Flat Race on those days:10.1.2.1 when an Amateur Riders steeple chase, or10.1.2.2 when an Amateur Riders hurdle race, or10.1.2.3 when a National Hunt Flat Race confined to Amateur Riders and Conditional Jockeys is run.The representation pointed to the fact that the clause relating to National Hunt Flat races refers specifically to races confined to Amateur Riders and Conditional Jockeys, however the clause relating to hurdle races refers only to races confined to Amateur Riders.Having now identified the anomaly, the BHA will take steps to amend the Schedule to ensure future amateur suspensions correctly reflect the aforementioned intention.Waley-Cohens new dates of suspension are April 3-5 inclusive, April 7, 11, 12 and 15. Carberry sits out April 1-5, April 7 and 11. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
HAMILTON, Ont. John Tavares Jersey . -- A familiar face foiled Devan Dubnyk on Friday, as the Hamilton Bulldogs newest member reacquainted himself with a starting role in net. Mark Arcobello, a former teammate of Dubnyks with the Edmonton Oilers, scored twice as the Oklahoma City Barons defeated the Bulldogs 2-1 in the American Hockey League. "Having the time off that I have between games, I just tried to go out there and focus and get through the different situations while playing without worrying about doing backflips or anything," said Dubnyk. "Unfortunately, Arcobellos a pretty good hockey player and he made a nice shot on the first goal." Richard Bachman made 23 saves for the Barons (27-24-8). Nathan Beaulieu had the lone goal for the Bulldogs (25-26-5), while Dubnyk stopped 38 shots in a losing effort. The former Edmonton Oiler made the start for the Bulldogs in his first game with the club since being traded from Nashville on the afternoon of Wednesdays NHL trade deadline. He admitted that he was prepared for the move that sent him to his third organization this season. "Its been a little bit crazy," said Dubnyk. "As the weeks went by after the Olympic break, I started to see the writing on the wall a little bit. You know that a move is coming up, so you have some time to prepare, and Im happy that I was acquired by a team that wants me. "Going to Nashville was a new experience, but that was only a month and a half ago, so the suitcase was still packed. You learn how to move, and the guys are pretty welcoming in there. You have to earn respect whenever youre in a new group. You do that each day, and its been good so far." Hamilton head coach Sylvain Lefebvre was pleased with his new goaltenders first showing. "(Dubnyk) played great," he said. "He was a calming presence in the net and looked in control." Dubnyk didnt have to wait long before being forced into action, facing three shots in the first 30 seconds of the game. The Bulldogs nearly gave him some early goal support, as the combination of Louis Leblanc and Gabriel Dumont had a flurry of opportunities in close that Bachman knocked aside just over three minutes into the first period. That breakthrough did come, however, after a series of penalties left Hamilton with a 4-on-3 power play midway through the period. The penalty had just expired when Greg Pateryn threaded a pass to his partner Beaulieu at the right faceoff dot, and he quickly snapped a high wrist shot past Bachman at the near post at 6:19. Hamiltons lead was short-lived, as a mistake in the defensive end gifted an easy chance to Arcobello at 10:05 of the first. An unexpected bounce behind Dubnyks net brought the puck out front, where the stunned Dumont could do little but nudge it forward. There, Arcobello was waiting and raced into the slot before lifting a shot off the crossbar and past Dubnyk. Leblanc had a golden opportunity to score when he intercepted a loose puck in the neutral zone five minutes into the second period, and streaked in alone on Bachman. But the Oklahoma City goaltender stayed with him as the winger moved to the far post and slid a weak shot wide. The Barons punished that missed opportunity just over a minute later, when Arcobello struck for the second time on the power play. Cycling the puck effectively with the man advantage, the Barons found Anton Lander along the right boards, who slid a cross-ice pass to the wide open Arcobello inside the left circle. He took a low, one-time shot that slipped through the pads of Dubnyk as he crossed the crease at 6:49. The Bulldogs were left regretting another missed breakaway when Martin St. Pierre stole a pass at his defensive blue-line and skated in against Bachman 11 minutes into the second. Two Barons defenders interfered just enough with St. Pierre to make his wrist shot a weak one, and Bachman easily kicked it aside. Dubnyk faced 30 shots through two periods, and he was forced into several difficult saves in the periods final minutes. A glorious chance to level the game passed the Bulldogs by with six and a half minutes to play in the third. Dumont broke loose in the Barons zone and slid a pass to a wide open Mike Blunden in the low slot, but he was unable to get his stick on the moving puck. Lefebvre was disappointed with his teams lacklustre offence, particularly given their desperate situation in the AHL standings, where they sat seven points back of a playoff spot entering play on Friday. "We had some chances, but its not enough," he said. "Were fighting for our lives right now, and thats a team that we want to keep pace with. Those were two points that we desperately needed." Hamilton was 0-for-6 on the power play while Oklahoma City was 1-for-6. Pat LaFontaine Islanders Jersey . -- Thirty years ago, the Detroit Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime, a game that remains the highest scoring in NBA history. Nikolay Kulemin Islanders Jersey .com) - The Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors are back in the great white north for a brief moment and will host the Dallas Mavericks Friday night from Air Canada Centre.SYDNEY, N.S. - Ryan Penny scored twice, including the eventual winner, as the Moncton Wildcats edged the host Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 3-2 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Conor Garland scored on a penalty shot midway through the first period for the Wildcats (17-17-2), who extended their win streak to five games, while Penny got both of his goals in the second period. Cameron Darcy and Raphael Corriveau responded for the Screaming Eagles (18-12-3). Monctons Alex Dubeau earned the games first star by stopping 32-of-34 shots. Cape Bretons Alex Bureau made 15 saves in defeat. The Wildcats went 0 for 1 on the power play while the Screaming Eagles failed to score on six chances with the man advantage. --- ISLANDERS 2 SEA DOGS 1 CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Sea Dogs netminder Sebastien Auger stopped 45 shots, but it wasnt enough as Saint John dropped its fifth game in a row. Alexis Pepin and Jack Nevins scored in the third period for the Islanders (14-16-5), who trailed 1-0 after 40 minutes. Oliver Cooper supplied the lone goal for the Sea Dogs (7-23-3). Charlottetowns Eric Brassard turned aside 25 shots for the victory. --- REMPARTS 7 OLYMPIQUES 3 QUEBEC CITY — Anthony Duclair scored three times and set up one more as the Remparts crushed Gatineau. Kurt Etchegary and Zachery Moody each had a goal and an assist for Quebec (18-10-6), which earned its third straight victory, while Fabrice Herzog and Massimo Carozza added a goal apiece. The Olympiques (22-12-0) got goals from Jonathan Bourcier, Tommy Lapiierre and Alexandre Carrier. Christopher Gibson Jersey. Francois Brassard made 28 saves for the Remparts. Anthony Brodeur allowed five goals on 14 shots before giving way to Robert Steeves, who stopped 9-of-11 shots in 30 minutes of relief for Gatineau. --- DRAKKAR 3 MOOSEHEADS 0 BAIE-COMEAU, Que. — Philippe Cadorette only had to stop 17 shots as the Drakkar blanked Halifax. Jeremy Gregoire had a goal and an assist for Baie-Comeau (22-8-4) while Alexis Vanier and Dominic Poulin scored the others. Kevin Darveau stopped 39-of-42 shots for the Mooseheads (23-11-1). The Drakkar went 2 for 7 on the power play as Halifax was 0 for 4. --- OCEANIC 5 TIGRES 2 RIMOUSKI, Que. — Anthony DeLuca scored twice to lead the Oceanic over Victoriaville. Anthony Chapados, Alexis Loiseau and Peter Trainor also scored for Rimouski (18-11-6) and Jimmy Oligny had two assists. Mark Tremaine and Ross Johnston replied for the Tigres (13-16-4). Philippe Desrosiers made 21 saves for the Oceanic as Brandon Whitney turned away 38-of-42 shots for Victoriaville. --- CATARACTES 3 TITAN 0 SHAWINIGAN, Que. — Storm Phaneuf stopped 38 shots as the Cataractes shutout Acadie-Bathurst for their first win in three outings. Dylan Labbes power-play goal in the first period stood up as the winner for Shawinigan (6-24-3) while Francis Beauvillier and Alexandre Grand-Maison tacked on a goal apiece. Alexandre Gosselin led the Titan (13-16-3) with seven shots on Phaneuf. Acadie-Bathursts Jacob Brennan allowed two goals on 14 shots in a losing cause. --- Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '