Top sports advisory for 5 p.m., Jan. 14, 2021
Good evening from Canadian Press Sports!
Advisories will hit the wire around 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET on weekdays and will also be sent to editors by email. The AP sports digest will be sent out around 3 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the advisories will move at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. If you'd like to be added to the email list (or removed) please contact Scott Brown at scott.brown@thecanadianpress.com. All Times Eastern.
HOCKEY
Doan, Julien to lead Canada at Beijing Olympics
HKO-OLY-Canada
Hockey Canada has confirmed Shane Doan as the general manager of Canada's men's hockey team at the Beijing Olympics, while Claude Julien has been named head coach. Hockey Canada announced its management team today with the opening ceremony at the 2022 Winter Games three weeks away. 562 words. PHOTO. MOVED.
Three more Leafs added to COVID-19 protocol
HKN-Maple-Leafs-COVID
The Toronto Maple Leafs have added three more players to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol as an outbreak on the team that started in December continues to drag on.The Leafs announced Thursday that forwards Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie and defenceman Justin Holl have been added to the list. 159 words. PHOTO. MOVED.
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game postponed
HKO-CHL-Top-Prospects
The Canadian Hockey League has postponed the 2022 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game due to COVID-19 concerns. The game was originally scheduled to be held Feb. 2 at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, home of the Ontario Hockey League's Rangers. 145 words. MOVED.
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SOCCER
Canada's Alphonso Davies has heart muscle issue after COVID
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Alphonso Davies' return from a bout of COVID-19 has been put on hold with Bayern Munich saying the Canadian star shows signs of an inflammation of the heart muscle. Canada Soccer says the 21-year-old from Edmonton has been ruled out of Canada's three World Cup qualifiers in the FIFA international window that straddles January and February.. 600 words. PHOTO. UPDATED.
Jen Herst named Canada women's goalkeeping coach
Jen Herst has joined Bev Priestman's staff with the Canadian women's team as goalkeeper and set plays coach. Herst most recently served as goalkeeper coach for the Welsh women's national team and had a similar role before with England women's youth teams. She has also worked as a goalkeeper coach with Liverpool and Everton in the FA Women’s Super League sides. 175 words. MOVED
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FIGURE SKATING
Gogolev named to Canada's world junior team
Stephen Gogolev, who was forced to withdraw from last week's Canadian senior figure skating championships due to COVID-19, has been named to Canada's team for the world junior championships. 178 words. PHOTO. MOVED.
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CURLING
Homan selection gives Duncan the Ontario berth at Scotties
CUR-Scotties
UNDATED - Rachel Homan and John Morris weren't the only ones celebrating after their selection to wear the Maple Leaf in mixed doubles curling competition at the Beijing Olympics. The nomination also cleared the path for Team Hollie Duncan to represent Ontario at the Canadian women's curling championship. "It still doesn't quite feel real yet," Duncan said. 750 words. By Gregory Strong. PHOTO. MOVED.
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TENNIS
Canada's Marino into Australian Open's main draw
TEN-Australian-Open-Canadians
Canada's Rebecca Marino is through to the main draw at the Australian Open after edging Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(10) in the final round of qualifying Thursday. Rakhimova broke Marino early in the first set, but the 31-year-old Vancouver native used her powerful serve to stage a comeback, firing 24 aces across the match. 210 words. PHOTO. MOVED.
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CRICKET
Canada ready for U-19 Cricket World Cup
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UNDATED — The pandemic, coupled with the Canadian winter, did not help Canada's preparation for the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup. But captain Mihir Patel says spirits are high ahead of Saturday's opener against the United Arab Emirates in St. Kitts and Nevis. 750 words. By Neil Davidson. PHOTO. MOVED
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FOOTBALL
Starter Evans ready to become face of Ticats franchise
FBO-CFL-Ticats-Evans
UNDATED -- He's the face of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the CFL club's clear-cut starting quarterback but nothing changes for Dane Evans. The 28-year-old American said Friday - just two days after bypassing free agency to sign a two-year extension with Hamilton - his preparation as the club's No. 1 quarterback will be no different than it was the past two seasons when he and Jeremiah Masoli took turns assuming starting duties. 800 words. By Dan Ralph. PHOTO. MOVED.
Riders sign American receiver Moore to extension
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The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed American receiver Kyran Moore to a contract extension Friday. The five-foot-10, 165-pound Moore had 64 catches for 585 yards with three TDs in 11 games last season. 89 words. MOVED
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MEDIA
Watson named new president of Rogers Sports and Media
TV-Sportsnet-Prez
Colette Watson is becoming the new president of Rogers Sports and Media. She will officially replace Jordan Banks in the role on Monday. Banks is leaving Rogers after more than two years as president. Rogers Sports and Media is responsible for many of the telecommunications giant's properties, including Sportsnet and the Toronto Blue Jays. 200 WORDS. MOVED.
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SKI CROSS
Canada's Drury earns World Cup ski cross silver in Alberta
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Toronto's Kevin Drury earned a silver medal Friday in men's World Cup ski cross behind victor David Mobaerg of Sweden. Drury was the lone Canadian to make a final in the first of two races at Nakiska resort west of Calgary. By Donna Spencer.MOVED. Will be updated. PHOTOS
AP Top stories
TOP STORIES
TEN—AUSTRALIAN OPEN-DJOKOVIC
MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic faces deportation again after the Australian government revoked his visa for a second time, the latest twist in the ongoing saga over whether the No. 1-ranked tennis player will be allowed to compete in the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated for COVID-19. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said Friday he used his ministerial discretion to cancel the 34-year-old Serb’s visa on public interest grounds — just three days before play begins at the Australian Open, where Djokovic has won a record nine of his 20 Grand Slam titles. By John Pye and Rod McGuirk. SENT: 780 words, photos. With TEN—Djokovic-Serbia, Australia-Djokovic-Immigration, Djokovic-Sponsors.
ATHLETES AND VACCINES
The pandemic-era saga of tennis star Novak Djokovic in Australia this week is but one of many: Pro athletes who have refused to be vaccinated have been put at center court in a larger contest — as famous faces who are becoming proxy players in the accelerating worldwide cultural battles over COVID jabs. By Andrew Dalton. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
FBN--ALL-PRO TEAM
NEW YORK — Five players, including dynamic pass catchers Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams, are unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2021 NFL All-Pro Team. Joining the Rams’ Kupp and the Packers’ Adams in receiving votes Friday from all 50 members of a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the league are Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. SENT: 840 words, photos.
BKN--NETS-IRVING
NEW YORK — Instead of taking a big shot, James Harden wants to deliver one — right into Kyrie Irving’s arm. If Irving gets vaccinated against the coronavirus, the Brooklyn Nets become an almost unstoppable offense with three of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA. If he continues to refuse, the Nets might just continue to be a team that loses as often as it wins at home. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. SENT: 680 words, photos.
OLY--SPD-GRANDMA PECHSTEIN
Decades into a decorated speedskating career, Claudia Pechstein is still achieving firsts. The 49-year-old German will become the oldest woman to compete at a Winter Olympics in Beijing and the second athlete — and only woman — to compete in eight Winter Games. By Beth Harris. SENT: 620 words, photos, video.
SPORTS-SAUDI ARABIA-HUMAN RIGHTS
LONDON — The lucrative offers tempting leading boxers, golfers and footballers to compete in Saudi Arabia are not enough for Andy Murray to put money over morality. When Murray has received approaches to fly to Riyadh to play in exhibition matches, the potential to earn millions of dollars has been rejected. By Rob Harris. SENT: 520 words, photos.
COMMENTARY
TEN--JIM LITKE COLUMN-DJOKOVIC
Novak Djokovic threw away a chance to make history at the Australian Open by whiffing on two shots. OK, three, if you count the booster. By Sports Columnist Jim Litke. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 4 p.m.
FBN—TIM DAHLBERG-BLACK COACHES
David Culley didn’t even last a calendar year with the Houston Texans, as dysfunctional an NFL team as there is. Culley spent 43 years as an assistant in college and pros, but his tenure as a head coach ended after just 17 games. With his firing, the list of Black head coaches in the NFL contains just one name. The NFL has to do better, but how? By Sports Columnist Tim Dahlberg. SENT: 820 words, photos.
NOTABLE
GLF--SONY OPEN
HONOLULU — Defending champion Kevin Na tries to expand his one-shot lead over Jim Furyk in the second round of the Sony Open. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 7 p.m.
FBN--PRO PICKS-WILD CARDS
Not only do NFL fans get three night games to savor during wild-card weekend, but they also can revel in the rivalries. AFC East foes New England and Buffalo, who split victories on the road during the season. NFC West opponents Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams, who also went 1-1 against each other. Plus San Francisco and Dallas rekindling one of the great postseason series of bygone days, particularly in the 1980s and ’90s. By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. UPCOMING: 500 words, graphic by 2 p.m.
FBN--49ERS-COWBOYS PREVIEW
ARLINGTON, Texas — Old playoff rivals in San Francisco and Dallas are set to meet in a wild-card game with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys looking to start a long playoff run not seen by the proud franchise in a quarter-century. Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers are two years removed from going to the Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 5 p.m. With preview capsule.
FBN--EAGLES-BUCCANEERS PREVIEW
TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady’s looking ahead, though just not that far. No one’s had more success in the NFL playoffs than the seven-time Super Bowl champion, whose focus this week is on trying to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Philadelphia Eagles. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 5 p.m. With preview capsule.
FBN--STEELERS-CHIEFS PREVIEW
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Steelers pushed the Ben Roethlisberger farewell tour into the playoffs, but they have a big job ahead of them if they want to keep it going. That's because first up Sunday night are the Kansas City Chiefs, who walloped them 36-10 just a few weeks ago. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos, preview capsule.
FBN--PATRIOTS-BILLS PREVIEW
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — If this is Jerry Hughes' final season, the Buffalo Bills defensive end is primed for facing the bitter cold and the archrival New England Patriots in a wild-card playoff game on Saturday night. Hughes referred to the matchup of AFC East rivals as a potential "slobber-knocker." By John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos, preview capsule.
FBN--RAIDERS-BENGALS PREVIEW
CINCINNATI — Postseason success has been elusive for the Raiders and Bengals for a generation. The frustration for one will end Saturday when they meet for an opening-round playoff game in Cincinnati. By Mitch Stacy. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos, preview capsule.
FBC—PLAYOFF EXPANSION
Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips says now is not the time for College Football Playoff expansion, citing an abundance of uncertainty throughout college sports and the NCAA. By Ralph D. Russo. SENT: 400 words, photo. Will be updated.
BKW--T25-RAPID RISES
It hasn’t taken long for Kellie Harper to make progress toward building back the Tennessee women’s basketball program into its traditionally elite status. The fifth-ranked Lady Vols are one of several teams sitting in the AP Top 25 showing signs of quick growth after coaching changes in recent years, a list that includes No. 12 LSU, No. 20 Notre Dame, No. 21 North Carolina and No. 23 Oklahoma, among others. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 4 p.m.
BKN--WARRIORS-BULLS
CHICAGO — Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors visit the Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls in a matchup between one of the NBA's best teams and the Eastern Conference leaders. Both are coming off lopsided losses, with the Warriors falling at defending champion Milwaukee on Thursday and the Bulls getting blown out at home by Brooklyn on Wednesday. By Andrew Seligman. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.
OLY--SPD-SHORT TRACK PREVIEW
Short track speedskating is already thrilling with its high-speed crashes and elbows flying. Now, there's a new event adding to the chaos with its Olympic debut in Beijing. The 2,000-meter mixed team relay features a maximum of 12 teams with four skaters each battling it out over 18 laps. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 620 words, photos by 5 p.m.
OLY--SPD-SPEEDSKATING PREVIEW
Make room on the podium for countries other than the Netherlands at the speedskating oval in Beijing. The Dutch typically dominate in their national sport — winning seven golds and 16 medals overall four years ago — but this time the medals figure to be more evenly spread around. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 630 words, photos by 5 p.m.
OLY--JUM-SKI JUMPING PREVIEW
Even world-class athletes who compete in ski jumping, and follow the sport closely, have no idea who will win gold in Beijing because more than a dozen men seem to have a shot. The women won’t have to contend with one former star because Norway’s Maren Lundby decided she was not going to defend her Olympic gold because she didn’t want to make the sacrifices to fight her body’s natural changes. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos, video by 5 p.m.This report by The Canadian Press was first published January 14, 2022.
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