National Sports

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have signed new defenceman Joel Edmundson to a four-year contract with an average annual value of US$3.5 million.

Players were pumped. Coaches were stoked. Fans seemed relieved. Even the president was pleased. The Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all.

Blue Jays backup infielder Santiago Espinal could only offer a helpless smile as he watched DJ LeMahieu turn on his pitch and launch it over the Yankee Stadium wall.

EDMONTON — Jon Cooper might have reacted differently five years ago to losing in double overtime in Tampa Bay's first chance to move on to the Stanley Cup Final, sulking with his head down and kicking the nearest soda can.

A forgettable season for Toronto Blue Jays closer Ken Giles all but ended Wednesday afternoon when a recurring right arm injury landed him back on the injured list.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Aces have signed Guy Armitage, a former England under-20 rugby union international centre, from the London Broncos. The 28-year-old is the younger brother of former England rugby union internationals Delon and Steffon Armitage.

Taylor Pendrith hopes fans will watch him tee off on Thursday at Winged Foot Golf Club in the first round of the U.S. Open. Not just because it's his major debut — but because it's in the tee box where the Canadian excels.

TORONTO — Tony Gallacher, Toronto FC's newest recruit, says he has come to Canada in search of first-team action.

TORONTO — Mark Casse will have three chances Saturday to join a very select group. Casse — Canada's top trainer an unprecedented 11 times — will have three horses in the $1-million Ricoh Woodbine Mile turf race at Woodbine Racetrack.

TORONTO — Coach Greg Vanney knows all too well what he is leaving behind when Toronto FC heads south of the border this week to resume Major League Soccer play. His wife and their four children.