National Sports

TORONTO — As befitting its main attraction, Thursday's UFC 297 news conference was loud and raucous.

Former Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber has died. He was 29 years old. Barber died Wednesday night, his agent Paul Doyle told The Canadian Press.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Ayaka Furue of Japan did not see any signs of a fast start coming until she opened her 2024 LPGA Tour season on Thursday with a red-hot performance.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Hockey players in Newfoundland and Labrador are once again allowed to line up and shake hands after their games.

Kayla Skrlik delivered a breakout performance as an underdog at her provincial curling championship last season. The defending champ is hoping for a repeat showing at this year's playdowns now that she's a favourite.

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders re-signed American running back Frankie Hickson to a one-year contract extension Thursday. Hickson was scheduled to become a free agent next month.

TORONTO — Patience and flexibility were Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri's watchwords a day after trading all-star Pascal Siakam.

Dominique Rhymes is returning to where it all began. The veteran receiver agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday. It came a day after Rhymes and the B.C. Lions mutually parted ways in a salary-cap move.

TORONTO — The Canadian Premier League will kick off its sixth season April 13 with Atletico Ottawa, champion Forge FC and Pacific FC all hosting games. Ottawa will entertain York United FC at TD Place to kick off the Opening Day tripleheader.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Hugo Grenier of France 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.