National Sports

ZURICH (AP) — Russia was removed Tuesday as host of the 2023 world championship in men’s ice hockey that was to be played in Vladimir Putin’s home city St. Petersburg.

Nathan Bombrys found rugby by chance while attending Syracuse University. Or rather, rugby found him.

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Once a Coyote, always a Coyote. Toronto FC teenage midfielder Jayden Nelson lived up to that credo this week when he returned to Copeland Public School to fund a snacks programs for its students.

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Logan Stankoven had a goal and two assists, powering the Kamloops Blazers to a decisive 5-1 win over the Spokane Chiefs in Western Hockey League playoff action on Monday.

PHILADELPHIA — The Toronto Raptors had the Sixers fans booing their own team off the floor at halftime. OG Anunoby's dunk with a couple of minutes to play sent thousands of fans to the exits as if there'd been an evacuation order.

OTTAWA — Brandon Coe scored 4:55 into overtime and the North Bay Battalion topped the Ottawa 67's 3-2 in Ontario Hockey League playoff action on Monday.

TORONTO — Mired in a slump over the first few weeks of the season, Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette made an adjustment to his hitting approach ahead of Monday's game against Boston. The change paid immediate dividends.

TORONTO — Blue Jays infielder Cavan Biggio was placed on the COVID-related injured list and right-hander Bowden Francis was recalled from triple-A Buffalo ahead of Toronto's game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

TORONTO — The Toronto Marlies have signed suspended NCAA goaltender Dryden McKay to a two-year American Hockey League contract.

EDMONTON — Christian Dedonato doesn't see Connor McDavid much in the off-season, at least not until at least mid-afternoon. McDavid is too busy working out in the gym or staying sharp on the ice.