National Sports

TORONTO — The next step in the host city selection process for the 2026 World Cup takes place Thursday when FIFA representatives meet with the Canadian Soccer Association and representatives from Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal.

New York Rangers centre Mika Zibanejad, Colorado Avalanche left-wing Gabriel Landeskog and Edmonton Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl are the NHL's three stars of the week.

Ottawa has a new team wearing red and black — rugby league's Ottawa Aces. Toronto Wolfpack co-founder Eric Perez unveiled details of his new franchise Monday in Ottawa.

VANCOUVER — With five losses in their last six games, the Vancouver Canucks remain in a playoff position. But Canucks players admitted they were frustrated after dropping a 2-1 decision to the Columbus Blues Jackets on Sunday at Rogers Arena.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Raptors coach Nick Nurse made a risky call to keep Kyle Lowry in the game after the Toronto guard picked up his fifth foul 13 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Sunday's Games NHL Carolina 6 Pittsburgh 2 Detroit 5 Tampa Bay 4 (SO) Vegas 5 Calgary 3 St.

KINGSTON, Ont. — The usual hype didn't accompany Brad Gushue's Newfoundland and Labrador team to the Tim Hortons Brier this time around. They weren't considered the favourite this year. Other teams were mentioned ahead of them.

OTTAWA — When Taffe Charles was an assistant under Dave Smart, he remembered winning a national championship and thinking they would never win another. He couldn't have been more wrong. Charles led the No. 1 Ravens to a victory over No.

CALGARY — It may not have been pretty, but Shea Theodore will take it.

VANCOUVER — Given the chance Canada made no mistake.