National Sports

SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken promised to be much better this season and, while it's really early, there are reasons for optimism.

WINNIPEG — New Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness didn't find a lot of highlights in his team's 5-3 pre-season victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

TORONTO — As the Toronto Blue Jays filed out of their clubhouse and into the night, the champagne-drenched New York Yankees returned to the Rogers Centre field to mug for a celebratory photo near the pitcher's mound on Tuesday.

TORONTO — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge isn't the only one who wants to hit a home run during New York's three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The broadcasters want to knock it out of the park, too.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders signed American quarterback Jake Maier to a contract extension through the 2024 season Tuesday.

VICTORIA — Fred VanVleet vows he'll be smarter with his body and more conscientious of his playing time this season. But Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse says it's easier said than done. It's a great idea — in theory.

Lacey Miller is frustrated after her daughter's fall swimming lessons were abruptly cancelled this week due to a lifeguard shortage.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares will be out a 'minimum' of three weeks due to an oblique strain, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced on Tuesday.

TORONTO — Ryan Hunter is very thankful to still be playing pro football. The six-foot-three, 315-pound offensive lineman is in his first full week practising with the Toronto Argonauts. Hunter, 27, of North Bay, Ont.

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Despite Canada's ability to control much of the game against a formidable opponent, it was the missed chances that stung most. Canada suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of No.