National Sports

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A St. John's man who turned a sports mascot gig into a heartfelt mission to bring joy and genuine friendship to special needs children has died.

There was much about the 2021 CFL season for McLeod Bethel-Thompson to like. He firmly established himself as the Toronto Argonauts' No.

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions signed national receiver Jevon Cottoy to a two-year contract extension Wednesday. Cottoy, 25, was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday.

Morning nasal swabs have been routine for NHL players in recent months — and it's a regime many are eager to leave behind.

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats re-signed American defensive back Cariel Brooks to a two-year contract Wednesday.

Richie Laryea wasn't surprised when Liam Fraser launched a laserlike pass from distance to trigger a Jonathan David goal in Canada's World Cup qualifying win in Honduras last week. Laryea had seen Fraser do it time and time again in practice.

ST. MARYS, ONTARIO — Left-hander Jeff Francis has been elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame made the announcement Wednesday.

BEIJING — Canada had no athletes, and just one member of its delegation, in COVID-19 protocols on Wednesday, down from three members a day earlier. The 400-plus Canadian delegation includes athletes, coaches and team staff.

BEIJING — Keegan Messing's Olympic Games are in jeopardy. The 30-year-old isn't with Canada's figure skating team at the Beijing Olympics, as he waits to clear COVID-19 testing to travel.

BEIJING — Charles Hamelin's teammates were speculating recently about who might carry Canada's flag into the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Hamelin had a hard time keeping a straight face.