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Here are our top stories:

HOCKEY

Price enters NHL/NHLPA assistance program

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Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is seeking help, voluntarily entering the NHL/NHL Players' Association joint player assistance program.  The NHL and NHLPA said in a release that the 34-year-old star goalie will be away from the team while he takes part in the program. The release did not specify why Price entered the program. General manager Marc Bergevin said he didn't see it coming. By Neil Davidson. Words: 981, Photos: 1. MOVED.

-- With HKN-Canadiens-Price-Reax

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Sens sign Ennis; White out 4-6 months

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada -- The Ottawa Senators signed winger Tyler Ennis to a one-year contract worth US$900,000 Thursday, and announced centre Colin White will miss up to six months with a dislocated shoulder that requires surgery. Words: 197, Photos: 1. MOVED.  

-- Story from Ottawa at Montreal NHL pre-season game, 7 p.m.

-- Story from Vancouver at Edmonton NHL pre-season game, 9 p.m.

 

SOCCER

Canadians looks to leave their mark at Azteca Stadium

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UNDATED — Azteca Stadium has been a house of horrors for many. But the venerable Mexico City soccer venue has history, albeit usually unhappy for visitors there. And now a new generation of Canadian players look to leave their mark there. 700 words. By Neil Davidson. PHOTO. Moved as early story to 9:40 p.m. Canada-Mexico World Cup qualifying game.

 

CURLING

Veteran skip Galusha travelling more, getting results

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UNDATED - A decision to ramp up travel plans has paid dividends for Kerry Galusha's curling team entering the final season of the Olympic quadrennial. The Yellowknife-based skip is ranked fourth in the country after reaching two finals this season - winning one - and securing a berth in the upcoming Pre-Trials qualifier ahead of the main Olympic Trials. 600 words. By Gregory Strong. PHOTO. ETA 5:30 p.m.

 

FOOTBALL

Friends, rivals Collaros and Harris set to clash

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WINNIPEG -- Quarterbacks Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris may be foes on the football field, but they’re also friends who support each other. Harris and the Edmonton Elks (2-5) visit Collaros and the CFL-leading Blue Bombers (7-1) Friday, marking Harris’s return to action after sitting out the past two games with a neck issue. 700 words. By Judy Owen. PHOTO. MOVED.

RUGBY

Ardron, Parfrey to start for Canada against Chile

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UNDATED — Coach Kingsley Jones has made two changes to his starting lineup for Canada's rematch with Chile in their Rugby World Cup qualifying series. Former captain Tyler Ardron comes in for Matt Heaton at blindside flanker while Patrick Parfrey replaces Cooper Coats at fullback for Saturday's game in Valparaiso at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander. 500 words. By Neil Davidson. PHOTO. Expected by 6 p.m.

FROM AP:

BBA--ALDS-WHITE SOX-ASTROS

HOUSTON — Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. opposes Chicago's Lance Lynn when the Astros and White Sox begin their best-of-five AL Division Series. The AL West champion Astros are in the postseason for a fifth straight year and the AL Central champion White Sox are making their second consecutive trip. By Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game starts 4:07 p.m.

BBA--ALDS-RED SOX-RAYS

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rookie Shane McClanahan takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays when the defending AL champions open a best-of-five Division Series against lefty Eduardo Rodriguez and the Boston Red Sox. By Fred Goodall. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game starts 8:07 p.m.

BBO--WORLD SERIES-POTENTIAL MATCHUPS

With four teams left in each league, there are 16 possible World Series matchups remaining. Each one can offer something unique. By Baseball Writer Noah Trister. SENT: 850 words, photos.

FBN--RAMS-SEAHAWKS

SEATTLE — NFC West rivals clash when the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle snapped a two-game losing streak last weekend, while the Rams are coming off their first setback of the season. By Tim Booth. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game starts 8:20 p.m.

FBC--T25-THE SEC SHADOW

AUSTIN, Texas — To get a glimpse at the Southeastern Conference's plan to dominate college football Saturdays, take a look at this weekend's schedule, starting with Oklahoma vs Texas, moving to Auburn-Georgia and finishing with Alabama-Texas A&M. Soon, all of those games will be SEC matchups. Newly stocked with Sooners and Longhorns, the 16-team SEC will more than any other conference have the ability to put on marquee events from noon to midnight. By Jim Vertuno. SENT: 900 words, photos.

SOC--NWSL-RECLAIMING THEIR GAME

PORTLAND, Ore. — After nearly a week of processing claims of sexual harassment and mistreatment by a prominent coach, the players of the National Women’s Soccer League have returned to the field in hopes of reclaiming their sport. By Anne M. Peterson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 8 p.m.

BOX--WILDER’S REBOOT

Deontay Wilder responded to the first loss of his career by firing his longtime trainer, groundlessly claiming his opponent’s gloves were doctored and blaming his low energy on a heavy ring-walk costume. New trainer Malik Scott insists the former long-reigning heavyweight champion will need no more excuses when he returns Saturday night in Las Vegas to complete a memorable trilogy against Tyson Fury. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 5 p.m.

COMMENTARY

FBC--ON FOOTBALL-PLAYOFF EXPANSION

College Football Playoff expansion has stalled as the newest members of the group in charge of the postseason system pushed to reconsider the pros and cons of an eight-team format instead of the 12-team proposal that is on the table. The reality is, though, the odds are stacked against eight ever being enough for the CFP. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos by 4 p.m.

NOTABLE

NBA FRAUD-INDICTMENT

NEW YORK — Eighteen former NBA players are charged with pocketing about $2.5 million illegally by defrauding the league’s health and welfare benefit plan in a scam that authorities said involved claiming fictitious medical and dental expenses. By Larry Neumeister and Tim Reynolds. SENT: 700 words, photos, video upcoming. Developing.

BBN--NLDS-BRAVES-BREWERS PREVIEW

MILWAUKEE — The Atlanta Braves were in danger of falling out of playoff contention until they essentially acquired an all-new outfield at the trade deadline. The Milwaukee Brewers were under .500 when they acquired Willy Adames. Now the two teams are about to face off in a best-of-five Division Series thanks in large part to the roster moves they made during the season. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 8 p.m.

BBN--NLDS-DODGERS-GIANTS PREVIEW

SAN FRANCISCO — The matchup of playoff matchups came true, and the 107-win, NL West champion San Francisco Giants will play the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who finished second in the division with 106 victories — dethroned after eight straight division titles. Now, it's a new season for the best-of-five Division Series and everybody involved figures this will take the rivalry up a notch or two. By Janie McCauley. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 8 p.m. With separate on Cardinals wrapup (sent).

SOC--WCUP-JAMAICA-US

AUSTIN, Texas — The 13th-ranked U.S., missing Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna but with Weston McKennie back following a disciplinary issue, plays its first World Cup qualifier in Texas, facing No. 59 Jamaica. By Ronald Blum. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game starts 7:45 p.m.

SOC--BELGIUM-FRANCE

TURIN, Italy — World champion France and top-ranked Belgium meet in the Nations League semifinals. Both will be seeking redemption after failed European Championship campaigns. The winner faces Spain in the final on Sunday. By Daniella Matar. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts 2:45 p.m.

FBC--T25-OKLAHOMA-TEXAS PREVIEW

DALLAS — Things seem a bit more normal for this second Saturday of October, even if the Red River rivalry between sixth-ranked Oklahoma and No. 21 Texas won't be a Big 12 game for too much longer. Both are nationally ranked with first place in the Big 12 on the line. The stands should be full again, with fans in crimson and burnt orange split at the 50-yard line, and the aroma of fried foods from the bustling fair midway just outside 92,100-seat Cotton Bowl Stadium. By Stephen Hawkins. SENT: 800 words, photos.

GLF--RYDER CUP-HARRINGTON

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jim Furyk recalls the moment celebration turned into compassion at the Ryder Cup. Right when the Americans won, he hugged captain Steve Stricker. And then Furyk looked over at Padraig Harrington. He says the European captain told him Furyk would know how he feels. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. SENT: 750 words, photos. With separate on Spanish Open: Jon Rahm off to strong start back home at Spanish Open (sent).

The Canadian Press