National Sports

David Branch wasn't surprised. The commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League had been hopeful rising COVID-19 case counts across the province wouldn't force the government's hand. He could also read the tea leaves.

The Ontario Hockey League has seen another one of its clubs sidelined by COVID-19. The OHL announced Friday the Flint Firebirds have suspended all team activities as a result of 11 members of their organization testing positive.

There are no plans yet to limit spectators at the world junior men's hockey championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

TORONTO — COVID-19 outbreaks, cancelled games, and reduced crowd capacity has dominated news around the Toronto Raptors this week.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Olympic champion Maggie Mac Neil provided the final kick in an anchor leg that propelled Canada to gold in the mixed 4x50-metre mixed relay at the world short-course swimming championships on Friday.

ALPE D'HUEZ, France — Canadian freestyle ski star Mikael Kingsbury was back on the World Cup podium on Friday, finishing third in moguls. If not for a small error in the super final, his 96th-career podium result might have been golden.

WINNIPEG — Paul Maurice sounded comfortable with his decision to resign as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets Friday morning, but players were left shocked.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens' home game against the Boston Bruins tomorrow night has been postponed. The NHL announced the decision this morning.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Brock Boeser scored twice and the Vancouver Canucks won their sixth straight game since coach Bruce Boudreau took over with a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers have finally broken out of their serious slump. Jesse Puljujarvi had two goals and an assist as the Oilers defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 on Thursday to snap a six-game skid, the last five of which came at home.