miao1234

SHAWINIGAN, Que. Randall Cunningham Eagles Jersey . -- It wasnt a good night to a be a goaltender in Shawinigan. Both starters were pulled and all four goalies were lit up as the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies edged the host Cataractes 10-9 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Marcus Power and Jean-Sebastien Dea each scored twice for the Huskies (2-3-1) while Power tacked on three assists for a five-point outing. Maxime St-Cyr had a goal and two assists for Rouyn-Noranda and Alexandre Leclerc, Steven Mercier, Mathieu Lemay, Julien Nantel and Liam OBrien added a goal apiece. Frederick Gaudreau and Matthew Boudreau both had hat tricks for Shawinigan (0-5-1) while Kris Hodge and Francis Beauvillier each had a goal and two assists. Ilya Zinoviev tacked on a single goal to round out the offence. Alexandre Belanger started in net for Rouyn-Noranda but found himself on the bench after allowing seven goals on 22 shots in 45 minutes. Carl Hozjan picked up the victory by stopping 4-of-6 shots in relief. Storm Phaneuf took the loss for Shawinigan, stopping 13-of-17 shots in 25 minutes of relief action. Phaneuf replaced starter Marvin Cupper, who allowed six goals on 25 shots. The Huskies went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Cataractes scored twice on six chances with the man advantage. --- Titan 3 Phoenix 2 BATHURST, N.B., -- Alexandre Gosselin scored the winner midway through the third period as the Titan came from behind to defeat Sherbrooke. Patrik Zdrahal and Adam Stevens also scored for Acadie-Bathurst (3-3-0), which trailed 2-0 after 40 minutes of action. Daniel Audette and Jeremy Roy scored for the Phoenix (1-4-0). Jacob Brennan made 26 saves for the win while Francis Desrosiers stopped 37 shots in a losing cause. --- Islanders 3 Sea Dogs 2 CHARLOTTETOWN, -- Antoine Bibeau turned away 26-of-28 shots as the Islanders remained undefeated by edging Saint John. Troy Vance, Kameron Kielly and Matthew Bursey scored for Charlottetown (5-0-0) and Bradley Kennedy chipped in two assists. Spencer Smallman and Stephen Anderson scored for the Sea Dogs (2-2-1) while Sebastien Auger made 42 saves in defeat. --- Sagueneens 4 Remparts 3 (OT) QUEBEC CITY, -- Charles Hudon scored twice, including 53 seconds into overtime, as Chicoutimi edged the Remparts. Sebastien Sylvestre and Janne Puhakka also scored for the Sagueneens (4-1-0) while Julio Billia made 19 saves for the win. Adam Erne, Fabrice Herzog and Brandon Shea scored for Quebec (1-2-2) as Francois Brassard stopped 30 shots in defeat. --- Tigres 5 Wildcats 2 VICTORIAVILLE, Que., -- Mark Trickett scored twice as the Tigres downed Moncton. Angelo Miceli and Jan Mandat each had a goal and an assist for Victoriaville (4-1-0) and Gabriel Gagne added a single goal. Garrett Johnston and Ryan Penny supplied the offence for the Wildcats (2-3-0). Brandon Whitney made 29 saves for the win while Graham Hunt stopped 24 shots to record a loss in his first QMJHL start. --- Armada 4 Foreurs 1 BOISBRIAND, Que., -- Nikita Jevpalovs scored two goals as the Armada defeated Val-dOr. Christopher Clapperton scored once and set up two more for Blainville-Boisbriand (5-0-0) and Philippe Sanche had a goal and an assist. Louick Marcotte scored for the Foreurs (2-4-0). Etienne Marcoux made 24 saves for the win as Francois Tremblay stopped 15-of-18 shots for the loss. --- Oceanic 3 Olympiques 2 GATINEAU, Que., -- Peter Trainor scored the winner late in the third and tacked on an assist for a two-point outing as Rimouski slipped past the Olympiques. Scott Oke and Michael Joly also scored for the Oceanic (4-2-0) while Philippe Desrosiers stopped 24 shots for the win. Emile Poirier and Steven Johnston scored for Gatineau (3-2-0). Anthony Brodeur made 15 saves in a losing cause. Cary Williams Jersey . Kingsbury, from Deux-Montagnes, Que., won gold with a score of 26.93, while Bilodeau, from Montreal, took silver with 26.54. Japans Sho Endo (25.24) placed third. Darren Sproles Jersey . Ecclestone dismissed on Wednesday any clash between the series, after the top executive at Texas Motor Speedway called F1 "arrogant" for scheduling the United States Grand Prix in Austin on the same weekend that his track hosts NASCAR in Fort Worth. TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona knocked off some quality opponents, rolled over a few overmatched ones and grinded out victories even when things didnt go so well. The Wildcats werent perfect during their non-conference season, but their record was and thats all that matters to them. Nick Johnson scored 20 points, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 14 and top-ranked Arizona rolled over Northern Arizona 77-44 on Monday night to complete its second straight undefeated non-conference slate. "Were good, but we can get a lot better," Johnson said. "Hey, 13-0, well take that. Now weve just got to get ready for conference." The Wildcats appear to be in good shape after their latest rout against an overmatched opponent. Arizona (13-0) played its second straight game without injured centre Kaleb Tarczewski, but didnt really need him, grabbing control with a 27-4 first-half run. Johnson got the run started and Hollis-Jefferson provided a spark starting in place of Tarczewski, grabbing eight rebounds while hustling all over the floor. Brandon Ashley added 11 points and nine rebounds, Gabe York had 10 points and four steals, and T.J. McConnell had six assists in Arizonas 27th straight non-conference win. One of the nations best defensive teams all season, the Wildcats did their most damage on that end, holding Northern Arizona (3-8) to 36 per cent shooting while scoring 18 points off 23 turnovers. An overwhelming No. 1 the past two weeks, Arizona should stay atop the polls at least one more week with its next game not until Jan. 2 against Washington State. "Being the No. 1 team in the country, you can carry it as a burden and take all of the negative connotations that you want," Arizona coach Sean Miller said. "On the flip side, weve really embraced the fact that were the No. 1 team in the country. You cant take it from us. We earned it." Northern Arizona is plenty familiar with trip south, playing in Tucson every season but one since 2002. It hasnt gone too well for the Lumberjacks. Other than a five-point game in 2010, Arizona has beaten Northern Arizona in routs, including a 93-50 runaway last season. The Lumberjacks faced an even bigger hill this time around. Northern Arizona had a huge setback just before the season started, when sophomore guard Dwayne Russell, the teams top returning scorer, decided to transfer. The Lumberjaacks managed to play close games against Southern California and Fresno State, but those teams are nothing like what they were up against at the McKale Center. Trent Cole Authentic Jersey. Arizona had rolled through its non-conference schedule to this point, knocking off teams like Duke and Michigan to move atop The Associated Press poll two weeks ago. Northern Arizona held its own while Arizona struggled on offence early on, playing to an 11-all tie with the Wildcats in the opening 8 minutes. Arizona turned into a rout after that, scoring 17 straight points during its big run to go up 38-15. Johnson keyed it, hitting consecutive 3-pointers at the start and adding another to put the Wildcats up 15. The junior guard had 14 points by halftime to help Arizona to a 41-17 lead. Northern Arizona had two field goals over the final 10 minutes and shot 7 of 19 from the floor. Worse for the Lumberjacks, they had no assists in the half and 12 turnovers that led to 18 points for Arizona. "We had too many turnovers and thats what killed us," Northern Arizona forward Gaellan Bewernick said. "Valuing the ball is the biggest thing for us right now." Taking it away is the top priority for the Wildcats and theyve proven to be pretty good at it. Arizona is long, athletic, versatile and, usually has a 7-foot anchor in Tarczewski. The Wildcats entered Mondays game seventh nationally in scoring defence, allowing 57.8 points per game, and eighth in shooting percentage against at 37.3 Even without Tarczewski to contend with, the Lumberjacks were no match for Arizona. Let by Johnson and McConnell out top, the Wildcats hounded Northern Arizona into turnovers, difficult shots and made it tough for the Lumberjacks to even run their offence. Arizona keyed its big first-half run with defence and didnt really let up until the game was well out of hand in the second half. Northern Arizona had four assists and failed to get a player in double-figures scoring to become the third opponent in four games to be held under 50 points by Arizona. "Best defensive team Ive seen in a long time," said NAU coach Jack Murphy, a former manager under Lute Olson at Arizona. "Defensively, theyre better than any team when I was here. Their length, they guard pick and rolls, motion and they limit you to one shot. They defend." And win, at least to this point. ' ' '

NEW YORK -- New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton was arraigned on two felony weapons possession charges in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday. Datone Jones . The arraignment followed an early morning arrest after a lawyer for his wife turned in a loaded semi-automatic handgun allegedly belonging to the basketball star to a police precinct, claiming she no longer wanted it in their home, authorities said. Wearing a black sweatshirt with a peace sign and other symbols on it, Felton was seemingly upbeat as he appeared before Judge Diana Boyar, nodding affirmatively after he was ordered to stay away from his wife, Ariane Raymondo-Felton. He did not enter a plea, which is common for this stage in the case. "Mr. Felton has no interest in having contact" with her, one of his lawyers, James Walden, told the judge. Court records show she filed for divorce from Felton last week. Felton was released on $25,000 bail and was ushered into a black SUV following his arraignment. Under the terms of his bond, Felton can travel to games, bail bondsman Ira Judelson said. Prosecutors said they were told Felton stored the Belgian-made FN Herstal model handgun in the home from August through February. A lawyer for Feltons wife, a student at Fordham University School of Law, dropped off the weapon at a stationhouse on Manhattans upper West Side on Monday evening, shortly before tipoff of the Knicks game against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden, police said. The gun had 18 rounds of live ammunition in its magazine, which can hold about 20 rounds, prosecutors said. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and criminal possession of a firearm. The firearm charge is punishable by up to four years in prison. The weapons charge is punishable by up to seven years in prison. The section under which he was charged concerns having a large-capacity ammunition magazine. Police had arrested Felton on charges that included a mid-level weapons-possession charge that can entail having a loaded gun outside ones home or business or having a loaded gun with the intention to use it against someone. The DAs office didnt comment on why prosecutors chose the charges they did; its not uncommon for charges to change between arrest and arraignment. Investigators reached Felton by contacting the director of security at Madison Square Garden after his wife made a statement to detectives Monday night, police said. Felton turned himself in at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday, not long after the Knicks buzzer-beater loss to Dallas, police said. The former University of North Carolina star made no statement after he arrived at the precinct with a lawyer, police said. A Knicks spokesman has said the team had no immediate comment. An attorney for Raymondo-Felton didnt comment. The Knicks had no game scheduled Tuesday. Felton had eight points and seven assists Monday in the Knicks 110-108 loss to Dallas. The Knicks brought the point guard back for a second stint in New York in July 2012, opting to let Jeremy Lin leave, and Felton helped the Knicks win the Atlantic Division last year. But he has had a disappointing season, averaging 10.4 points and shooting 40 per cent while missing 16 games with a series of injuries. He has been frequently criticized by fans as the Knicks have fallen to 21-36. NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league was monitoring the case. It could fine or suspend Felton, but usually waits until after the legal case has been resolved. The league did break from that policy to suspend Gilbert Arenas for the remainder of the season after he brought guns to the Washington Wizards locker room during the 2009-10 season. He was eventually sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house. Felton is not the first pro athlete to run afoul of New Yorks strict gun laws. Plaxico Burress was a New York Giants wide receiver when he was arrested in 2008 after accidentally shooting himself in a Manhattan nightclub. He served two years in prison. Fighter Robert Guerrero was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport last year after he presented a locked gun box containing an unloaded handgun during check-in. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was ordered to pay a $250 fine and complete 50 hours of community service. In other high-profile cases, multiplatinum-selling rappers Lil Wayne and Ja Rule both were arrested in Manhattan, separately, on gun-possession charges in their vehicles after leaving the same concert they had both played in 2007. Both pleaded guilty to attempted gun possession charges; Lil Wayne spent about eight months in a city jail; Ja Rule served most of a two-year prison sentence. Felton is set to earn $3.8 million next season and has a player option that would pay him $4 million in 2015-16. The Knicks could attempt to void the contract, but that would likely be challenged by the players association. Jordy Nelson Jersey . The teams official Twitter account quoted coach John Tortorella on Friday saying that Kesler "has a sprained knee and is out at least a couple of weeks". Julius Peppers Jersey . "I cant say much, we agreed not to say much, but talks are ongoing and Andrei wants to stay in Montreal," agent and former NHL player Sergei Berezin told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on ESPN.com on Friday. "Well see where it goes. Hes played 13 seasons with Montreal.DETROIT -- Zach McAllister gave up lots of runs in the middle innings last season. This year? So far, so good. McAllister allowed a run and four hits in six innings and Yan Gomes hit a two-run double in the Cleveland Indians 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. McAllister (2-0) walked two and struck out four. "He used his fastball well early in the game," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "It was a great effort. He kept us off the field." The Tigers had runners on first and second with one out in the fourth, but McAllister got Nick Castellanos on a flyball that centre fielder Michael Bourn ran down in deep right-centre and then elevated a fastball to strike out Alex Avila swinging on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning. "That was a big inning for me," McAllister said. "The middle innings was where I couldnt get out of trouble last season." John Axford pitched the ninth for his fifth save for Cleveland, which had lost 18 of its previous 23 against Detroit. Axford got out of a jam with a runner on third to seal the win. Avila doubled and went to third on Bourns error with one out. Axford then struck out pinch-hitter Don Kelly and got Rajai Davis on a groundout to end the game. Brian Shaw pitched a scoreless seventh, but Cody Allen gave up an unearned run in the eighth when Francona called for a replay review on the play at first base on a bunt single by Detroits Ian Kinsler and the safe call was upheld. That put runners on first and second with no outs. Torii Hunter grounded into a double play -- after not being able to get a sacrifice bunt down -- and Miguel Cabrera singled to make it 3-2. Victtor Martinez followed with a single, but Allen fanned Austin Jackson to end the inning. Mike Daniels. Miguel Cabrera drove in both runs for the Tigers. Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez (0-1) gave up three runs -- two earned -- and two hits in five innings, walking four and striking out eight. "The cold was just incredible. Ive never pitched in this kind of weather in my life," Sanchez said. "Even in Minnesota, it has always been in the 40s, and today it was more like 30. In the first inning, I never got warm. "After that, I got a little better and I was able to get ahead of the hitters." Gomes gave the Indians a 3-1 lead in the second with his triple that scored Asdrubal Cabrera, who reached on an error by Cabrera at first, and David Murphy, who walked. NOTES: All players on both teams wore No. 42 in observance of "Jackie Robinson Day." Tuesday was the official celebration around the majors, but the game between Detroit and Cleveland was postponed due to inclement weather. It was 42 degrees when the game began Wednesday night. ... Bourn made his season debut after missing the first 13 games with a left hamstring strain he suffered during spring training. Bourn came off the disabled list Tuesday. He was 0 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. ... Due to early season postponements, Detroit LHP Drew Smyly -- the Tigers fifth starter -- has yet to start a game. He has made two relief appearances and hasnt allowed a run in six innings. Smyly is scheduled to make his first start Friday. ... Thursday afternoons scheduled starters are RHPs Justin Verlander (1-1, 2.57 ERA) for the Tigers and Danny Salazer (0-1, 6.75) for the Indians. ' ' '

TORONTO -- Toronto FC has signed Canadian international midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran. Riley Cooper Jersey . The 29-year-old began his career with Albirex Nigata of Japans J-League in 2003. He has also played in Singapore, Denmark, Australia and Cyprus. "We are very excited to get this deal finalized and bring Issey on as an official member of Toronto FC," general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release. "Issey has been training with the club on and off for a number of weeks and is quite familiar with the coaches and players. We needed to add another wide player to our roster and we are confident he will be able to fit in nicely here at TFC." Nakajima-Farran has earned 30 caps for Canada, starting his international career in a friendly match against Hungary in Nov. 2006. He scored against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match. He has represented Canada at three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments (2007, 2009, 2013). His most recent cap came on Nov. 19, 2013 in a friendly against Slovenia. Nakajima-Farran spent time on trial with Toronto FC during the first leg of pre-season in Bradenton, Florida this past January and has recently been training with the club over the past three weeks. Brandon Graham Authentic Jersey . Bautista led off the 10th inning with his second homer of the game, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night. Seth Joyner Authentic Jersey . </br></br> Apparently this took place at a soccer stadium for a club match in Brazil.BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins rink is 200 feet long by 85 feet wide, just like all the others in the NHL. So much ice. But in the playoff opener with the Detroit Red Wings, so little room to skate. Pavel Datsyuk managed to find enough space in the tight-checking game to score with 3:01 left and give the Red Wings a 1-0 win on Friday night. Now Boston has to create more room in Game 2 on Sunday or it could be looking at a 2-0 deficit with the best-of-seven series shifting to Detroit. "We thought that the game was actually faster than it was," Bruins centre David Krejci said. "We just have to hold on to the puck and make some confident plays." The more physical Bruins are usually the ones crowding opponents. They allowed the second-fewest goals during the regular season. But the speedy Red Wings stepped up their checking and limited the opportunities for the NHLs third-highest scoring team. "We did a fairly good job of boxing out and playing quicker on the defensive side of things," Detroit defenceman Niklas Kronwall said. "In our zone when we got the puck we were able to get it out fairly quick. We were able to get the pucks deep and go after their defence instead." The top-seeded Bruins won the Presidents Cup with the most points in the regular season, 117. The eighth-seeded Red Wings had just 93. But Boston coach Claude Julien knew going into the series that the disparity would not be nearly as great in the playoffs, which usually feature tighter checking and physical play. "I think we were physical enough" in the opener, Julien said Saturday. "We still had a lot of good hits. They do a good job when it comes to our forecheck. They get there, they like to have bodies in front of us on the forecheckers to kind of slow us down and we have to find ways to get through that." Five more things to look for as the Bruins try to gain a split: PAVEL PRODUCES: Datsyuk averaged 23 goals in his first 11 seasons with Detroit and had 17 this year despite playing in just 45 games. He missed 16 games with a knee injury and played just six moore regular-season games after returning April 4. Reggie White Jersey. But he came through as he has so many times to score the winning goal. "Ive had him for a long time and, obviously, hes a world-class player and hes coming back from an injury, which is obvious when you see him out there," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said, "but he can still do some very good things." STINGY GOALIES: Bostons Tuukka Rask had the better numbers during the regular season with an NHL-leading seven shutouts while Detroits Jimmy Howard had just two. And both were impressive in the opener despite not facing many challenging shots. Rask did make an outstanding pad save on a rebound shot by Darren Helm early in the third period, and Howard knocked aside a deflection by Milan Lucic less than 30 seconds before Datsyuk scored. Expect more of the same stinginess as the series goes on. "Tuukka is a great goalie and we are going to have to keep finding ways to go to the net and get screens in front of his eyes because if he sees it, hes going to stop it," Howard said. POWER PLAY: The Bruins had the NHLs third-best power play, but the Red Wings committed just one penalty. The Red Wings were 0 for 2 on Friday after finishing 18th in power-play production. BRUINS DEPTH: Boston had 10 players with at least 10 goals and has four solid lines. But left wings Chris Kelly on the third line and Daniel Paille on the fourth were sidelined Friday and could miss Sundays game. The Bruins also were without two of their top six defencemen, Matt Bartkowski and Kevan Miller. Julien said he didnt know if Bartkowski and Miller would play Sunday. JUST ONE GAME: The Red Wings arent likely to get overconfident after winning the first game, even if it was on the road. In the second round last season, they led Chicago 3-1, then lost the next three games. The Blackhawks went on to win the Stanley Cup in six games over the Bruins. "You dont win the Presidents Trophy for not being a good team," Detroit forward Drew Miller said. "So weve got to be prepared." ' ' '

First overall draft pick Nathan MacKinnon is back at full strength and will be in the lineup on Thursday when the Colorado Avalanche take on the Dallas Stars in pre-season action. Bart Starr Authentic Jersey . MacKinnon, who has been sidelined for the last three games with a hip flexor injury, took part in the teams Wednesday practice before heading to Dallas. "It was a minor thing for sure, but it was kind of a gradual thing that was going on through camp," he told The Denver Post. "This was my first training camp, and I was a little tight before (his first preseason) game, and after the first period it just kind of flamed up a little bit. But Im back ready to go, and excited to get my first road game." The Avalanche will wrap up their preseason on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings in a neutral site game in Las Vegas. MacKinnon helped lead the QMJHLs Halifax Mooseheads to a Memorial Cup title last season, leading the tournament with 13 points, scoring seven goals including a hat trick in the championship game and was chosen as tournament MVP. He also scored 32 goals and 75 points during the regular season for Halifax. Reggie White Jersey. LOUIS -- St. Tramon Williams Authentic Jersey . Ramirez signed a minor league deal with the Cubs on Sunday and will be a player-coach at Triple-A Iowa after he gets some at-bats in extended spring training at the teams facility in Mesa, Arizona. The 41-year-old Ramirez is a .MANCHESTER, England -- As Champions League rallying cries go, Gerard Pique struck an unusually downbeat tone for a Barcelona player. Particularly when speaking in the stadium of Tuesdays opponent: Manchester City. "Maybe they dont fear us as before," Pique said on Monday, "because in the last two years we didnt win the Champions League." Uncertainty is seeping into the squad that was previously lauded as the greatest-ever, having won the Champions League three times since 2006. And it is showing as the round of 16 begins. Such pessimism, though, seems at odds with Barcas current outlook. The team is already through to the domestic cup final and top of the Spanish standings, albeit only on goal difference in a three-way tussle with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, while Lionel Messi has 10 goals in 10 games since returning from a two-month injury layoff. "We are a team with a lot of players who won the World Cup (with Spain), the Champions League, leagues," said Pique, a former defender at Citys rival, Manchester United. "We can still be the best, but we have to show the world we can do it. Tomorrow is a great chance." It is also a chance to shift the attention away from Barcas most damaging crisis in years. Club president Sandro Rosell abruptly quit last month as he fights a lawsuit alleging he misappropriated funds by hiding the real cost of the signing of Brazil striker Neymar with false contracts.. Reggie White. The saga has taken some of the sheen of footballing perfection off a Catalan football institution that is owned by its members and prides itself as being "more than a club." "We know within the club maybe in the last six months there were some things that we could not control (as) the players," Pique said. "All we can do is tomorrow on the pitch show the world we can still be the best." Their opponents, seen by some pundits as a "Mini-Barcelona," are on a turbo-charged mission -- funded by Abu Dhabi -- to become a global force. Not only is Citys board room populated by former Camp Nou executives, but the team attempts to play with similar stylish, short-passing moves. "City is one of the greatest teams in the world right now," coach Gerardo Martino said through a translator. "They are very similar to us, maybe they are a bit more direct but they have good possession ... if we dont have the ball its just pointless to turn up." Perhaps, thats not what the visiting fans want to hear. Losing over two legs would be hard for Martino to take, given the four-time European champions are taking on a team in its first knockout phase, and is third in the Premier League. "For the last six seasons, Barcelona has made it to the semifinals and the fans are used to that," Martino said. "It would be difficult to understand that we didnt go through." ' ' '

MONTREAL -- Rachel Homan and Team Canada have served notice theyre ready to defend their title at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Vernon Davis Jersey . The defending champions grabbed the early lead and held on for a 9-6 win in nine ends over Quebecs Allison Ross on Sunday to emerge from the second day of play at the Maurice Richard Arena as the lone team yet to lose a match. "Its where I hoped wed be," said 24-year-old Homan (3-0). "You never know whats going to happen, but the teams playing really well. Weve just got to keep rolling." With previous victories of 8-3 over Manitoba and 9-3 over Ontario, both in eight ends, they have piled up points against some highly-regarded teams without yet having to go the full 10 ends. But Homan and the team were most concerned about giving up three to Quebec (0-4) in the second, which drew a roar from the 2,281 in the seats. "We gave up three in two, but thats alright -- mistakes will happen," said Homan. "Were learning the ice and different draws will be different weights." "I underthrew two halfway hits and that didnt turn out well and then Rachel threw one we thought was good but it sailed off," said Team Canada third Emma Miskew. "We got tricked a little on either the speed or the weight. "We didnt throw any more finesse shots after that because it tricked us a little." The evening draws saw two matches go to extra ends as both New Brunswick and P.E.I. pulled off victories. New Brunswicks Andrea Crawford (2-1) scored a single in the 11th end to take a 4-3 win over British Columbias 22-year-old skip Kesa Van Osch (1-3). And Kim Dolan (1-2) of P.E.I got her first victory of the tournament, 7-6 over Quebec in 11 ends. In the other late draws, Newfoundlands Heather Strong (3-1) edged Yukons Sarah Koltun (1-2) 6-5. Koltun scored singles in the ninth and 10th ends but fell short of the comeback. And Albertas Val Sweeting (3-1) scored three in the sixth end en route to a 5-4 victory over Nova Scotias Heather Smith (1-2). The afternoon draw saw some wild finishes. Stefanie Lawton (2-1) of Saskatchewan tied her game up with two in the ninth and then stole two in the 10th to win 8-6 over Sweeting. "Tied up coming home, without hammer, we know what we have to do," said Lawton, whose side gave up two in the 10th to lose 5-4 to Manitoba in the morning draw. "We have to put up two guards and get one on the button. "We got away with one when they kissed the guard and bit and I was able to put another on top of that and put the pressure on them. Theres going to be lots of games that will be battles. You just have to keep plugging away." Another cliffhanger saw Manitobas Chelsea Carey (2-1) get the point she needed in the 10th to defeat the B.C. side 7-6. And Ontarios Allison Flaxey (1-2) scored two in the 10th and a steal of one in an extra end to down Newfoundland by 8-7. Homan won last years Scotties as skip of Team Ontario, beating Jennifer Jones Winnipeg rink in the final. Jones isnt at this years tournament, having won an ultra-competitive qualifying tournament to represent Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Other top teams bowed out in their provincial championships, some citing mental fatigue from trying to make the Olympic team. But Homans side was spared that because they qualified automatically for the Scotties as the defending champions. "That definitely helped us," said Miskew. "Theres a lot of new faces here, but its nice to see a lot of young teams here." "We definitely have room to improve. We had a bad end but we were able to bounce back, so that was important for us. It seems every game you get a little better and thats our goal." Team Canada is part of the youth movement. Homan and Miskew are both 24, while second Alison Kreviazuk is 25. Theyve been playing together since they were young kids. Lead Lisa Weagle, 28, joined them later. Building a big lead in the morning draw against Ontario allowed them to give some playing time to their alternate, Stephanie LeDrew, who substituted for Weagle for the final two ends. "Its good to have her throw some shots and see the lines," Homan said of LeDrew. "You never know during a week if youre going to have to use her or not. "Hopefully not. Hopefully shell just be there to cheer us on, but its good to get her in early." LeDrew normally plays for Hollie Nicols Toronto rink, but she was brought in as an alternate by Homan for last years Scotties in Kingston, Ont., as well as for the 2013 womens world championship in Riga, Latvia. She got into three matches last year. "I know what it is to be prepared to jump in at a moments notice," said LeDrew. "I actually went for a jog around the arena in the sixth end to be prepared to go in the seventh, so I was warmed up and ready to rock." LeDrew said it is usually a team decision to get the alternate some playing time. "It tends to be on the ice between ends, if they have a big lead going," she said. "They see it as a good opportunity to throw the alternate in. "They also want to get me in because I have to play in two games, for at least one end in each game, in order to be eligible for the jewelry (prizes) at the end of the week -- the diamonds. So theyre being good to me." The match also pitted sister against sister as Alison Kreviazuk faced Lynn Kreviazuk, the Ontario second. "Actually, I havent played against Lynn in a few years, so this was kind of a first for me," Alison Kreviazuk said of her 22-year-old sister. "We get along great, so theres nothing negative. "They played really well, they just had a few bad breaks. I know shell pick it up for the next one." The morning draw saw more one-sided wins as Yukon downed P.E.I. by 10-3 in eight ends. Nova Scotia, beat New Brunswick by 12-2, also in eight ends. Yukon scored five in the eighth end to prompt P.E.I. to concede, while Nova Scotia had ends of four and five points in their romp over New Brunswick. Chris Borland Jersey .B. -- Canadas Rachel Homan had ideal preparation for the playoffs at the Ford World Curling Championships with a pair of hard-fought wins over tenacious opponents Thursday. Steve Johnson 49ers Jersey . A stick in the gut prevented him from getting off a clean drive, but it earned him the first penalty shot of his career. He converted, and Patrice Bergeron also scored a short-handed goal on Thursday night as the Bruins opened the defence of their Eastern Conference championship with a 3-1 victory over the Lightning. Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Arizonas Daniel Hudson pitched one of the best games of his young career on Friday night, and it just happened to come against his former club. Hudson pitched the first complete game of his career to help the Diamondbacks beat the Chicago White Sox, 4-1, in the opener of a three-game interleague series from Chase Field. Hudson (8-5) gave up one run on three hits for Arizona, which has won two in a row since a two-game skid. He also struck out five and walked one. Hudson also did some damage with his bat, driving in a run and scoring once. It was very exciting, Hudson said. Obviously it was a little bit special, but I didnt have any different mentality going out there then I had for the whole year. It was an interesting pitching matchup, as Edwin Jackson toed the rubber for Chicago. Jackson and Hudson were traded for each other in a three-player deal last summer. Jackson (4-6) allowed four runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 frames for the White Sox, who have lost three straight. He also struck out eight without issuing a walk. Jackson was also facing his former team for the first time since the trade. They got some runners in scoring position early in the game and they capitalized on it in the first inning and the seventh, Jackson said. Just one of those games you try to go and battle and keep your team as close as you can. Arizona gave Hudson some early support with two runs in the first inning. Womens White Steve Young Elite Jersey. Stephen Drew hit a one-out single, moved to second on a balk and crossed the plate on Justin Uptons base hit up the middle. Two batters later, Miguel Montero hit an RBI double to right-center field. Hudson settled in after stranding men on first and second in the first. The right-hander retired 16 straight batters before Alexei Ramirez reached base on Drews throwing error with two outs in the sixth. Carlos Quentin struck out looking to end the frame. Chicagos second hit of the game didnt come until the seventh, when Paul Konerko led off the inning with a homer to left-center field. The D-Backs responded with two runs in the home seventh to take a 4-1 lead. With a runner on first and two outs, Hudson helped his own cause with an RBI double off the base of the wall in right-center field. Chris Sale took over for Jackson on the mound, but had the same luck. Kelly Johnson doubled to left to plate another run. The White Sox failed to advance a runner past first the rest of the way. GAME NOTES:Chicago and Arizona havent squared off since the 2005 campaign, when the DBacks won two of three meetings at U.S. Cellular Field. The Diamondbacks also won a three-game series in 2003 in the desert...Hudson is 5-0 over his last seven starts...D-Backs outfielder Gerardo Parra had an eight-game hitting streak come to an end, while Montero extended his hitting streak to eight games. ' ' '

NEW ORLEANS -- Greivis Vasquez drew a round of applause when he first checked in against the team for which he played the past two seasons. Heath Miller Jersey . Later, he all but silenced the New Orleans crowd with five straight points that gave his new team the lead for good inside the final two minutes. DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points, Vasquez finished with 14, and the Toronto Raptors snapped a two-game skid with a resilient 107-100 victory over the Pelicans on Wednesday night. "I was blessed enough to be out there at the end of the game," said Vasquez, who was traded by New Orleans after last season in a deal that brought Tyreke Evans to the Pelicans. "I had a really rough first half and then the second half I was just on a mission," Vasquez said. "I like close games, man. Im not afraid. I would never be afraid. Im the type of player that would risk everything. Thats how I got (the starting point guard) job here in New Orleans." Kyle Lowry scored 23, Amir Johnson added 17 and Vasquez finished with 14 to help Toronto overcome a 14-point first-half deficit and snap a two-game skid. Tyler Hansbrough, playing additional minutes with starting centre Jonas Valanciunas sidelined by a sore back, grabbed 13 rebounds, seven on the offensive end. "Thats psycho-T at his finest," DeRozan said of Hansbrough. "He went out there, played extremely hard, got rebounds and came up with some big rebounds late in the game. Thats just him." The game was tied at 94 when Vasquez scored five straight points in a 36-second span on a running floater and a driving layup as he was fouled -- the latter coming after Vasquez rebounded his missed jumper for one of Torontos 22 offensive rebounds. "Its cool to have a teammate like that because you see how much he wanted it," DeRozan said of Vasquez. "Thats why we call him Spicy. You never know what youre going to get until you eat it." Al-Farouq Aminu had 19 points and 10 rebounds for New Orleans, which was without All-Star Anthony Davis because of an illness. The Pelicans could not deny that Davis absence, one game after his career-high 40 points and 21 rebounds in Sundays overtime win over Boston, was a factor. "Obviously, with a guy that can rebound like Anthony, its hard to make up for that," rookie centre Jeff Withey said. Evans had 18 points for the Pelicans. Eric Gordon added 15, but was shut out in the second half, when his playing time was limited after he was called for his fourth foul in the middle of the third quarter. "Once he got in foul trouble ... I think that probably broke his rhythm," Pelicans coach Monty Williams said. Brian Roberts scored 11 points, while Alexis Ajinca and Austin Rivers each had 10 to keep New Orleans in front for most of the game. New Orleans led 94-90 on Witheys free throw with 4:26 left. But during the next 50 seconds, Johnson slammed home a putback dunk and followed that with a driving layup as the shot clock expired to tie it at 94. Next came Vasquezs five straight points, followed by Lowrys free throw and Johnsons tip shot to cap a 12-1 run from which New Orleans never recovered. "We played decent defence, forced them to miss and they got rebound after rebound," Williams said. "We missed a lot of shots, layups in the paint, but the rebounding tonight was not good at all." Gordon, Aminu (12 points) and Evans (10 points) all reached double figures in the first half, much of which was controlled by New Orleans. The Pelicans seemed to surprise the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors by racing to an early double-digit lead. Rivers driving layup gave New Orleans a 31-18 lead late in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the lead reached 14 points several times, the last on Aminus layup that made it 50-36. At that point, there was 5:20 left in the second quarter, which was about all the time Toronto needed to nearly pull even. The Raptors outscored the Pelicans 20-7 to close the half. DeRozan scored nine during the stint, including a three-point play on a driving layup and a 12-foot fade at the halftime horn that made it 57-56. NOTES: The Pelicans went 3-3 on their six-game home stand. New Orleans next plays at Atlanta on Friday, then hosts Miami on Saturday to open a four-game home stand. ... The Raptors have not lost three straight since making a seven-player trade with Sacramento on Dec. 9. Joe Greene Steelers Jersey .Va. -- Drew Brees stood on the sideline throughout the Saints first scrimmage of training camp on Saturday, resting a strained abdominal muscle on his left side and likely watching with envy as his backups cashed in on the big-play potential of rookie receiver Brandin Cooks. Jarvis Jones Steelers Jersey . -- Brandon Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. MONTRéAL (April 11, 2014) – For the first time ever, all major Montréal sports teams are on one station, as TSN Radio 690 in Montreal today announced a new multi-year broadcast rights agreement with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Alouettes live game broadcasts move from sister station CJAD 800 to Montréals English-language all-sports station TSN 690, which will provide exclusive broadcast coverage of all Alouettes pre-season, regular season, and playoff games for at least the next three seasons. Montréalers can set their dial to AM 690, listen online at TSN.ca/Montreal, and tune in with the TSN GO app for live game broadcasts. The broadcast team is led by TSN 690 play-by-play commentator Rick Moffat, who is joined by analyst and former Alouettes offensive lineman Dave Mudge. Radio coverage of the Alouettes on TSN 690 complements TSNs extensive coverage of the CFL as the leagues official broadcaster. CFL ON TSNs acclaimed team of football experts deliver breaking news and in-depth analysis on the league throughout the season. "The Montreal Alouettes are thrilled to partner with TSN Radio 690. Its a natural partnership for our team and a station which has always offered Montréalers excellent coverage of the Alouettes," said Montreal Alouettes President and C.E.O. Mark Weightman. "Furthermore, Alouettes fans will also continue to enjoy the greeat work of Rick Moffat and Dave Mudge on game days. Franco Harris Steelers Jersey. ." TSN 690 also delivers extensive coverage of the Alouettes with THE ALS THIS WEEK, a weekly show hosted by Sean Campbell and Mitch Gallo airing Monday evenings at 7 p.m. ET. The show features news reports, player profiles, and regular interviews with Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp throughout the season. The stations expanded coverage of the Alouettes also includes live broadcasts and news reports from the teams training camp, the home opener, the CFL Draft, and the 2014 CFL Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, which takes place in Montréal. “The Montreal Alouettes have a winning tradition and a passionate fan base, and TSN 690 is proud to be the exclusive home of all their games,” said Chris Bury, Program Director, TSN Radio 690. “With comprehensive live coverage of the Alouettes, Canadiens, and Impact, this agreement makes TSN 690 the undisputed home of professional sports in Montréal.” The Alouettes join TSN 690s packed schedule of live broadcast coverage, which includes every Montreal Canadiens game, the Montreal Impact, THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, Sunday afternoon NFL action, THE MASTERS, the Barclays Premier League, the NCAA? MARCH MADNESS? Final Four, ESPNs SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL, and exclusive rights to the GREY CUP and IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. ' ' '

SOCHI, Russia -- Canada will not be adding a gold medal to its tally after the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed an appeal that tried to disqualify three French medallists in the mens Olympic skicross. Arizona Cardinals Jerseys . The Canadians, along with Slovenia, had accused the French team of changing the shape of the athletes ski pants for better aerodynamics. Rules prohibit uniform alterations for such purposes. Calgarys Brady Leman finished fourth in the final to Jean-Frederic Chapuis, Arnaud Bovolenta and Jonathan Midol of France in Thursdays competition. If Canada had won the appeal, Leman would have become the gold medallist. Slovenias Filip Flisar placed second in the small final and would have been bumped to bronze while Russia would have taken the silver. The sweep by Chapuis, Bovolenta and Midol was Frances first gold, silver and bronze in the same event at any Winter Olympics. The top sports courts decision came on Sunday, the final day of the Sochi Olympics. Tyrann Mathieu Cardinals Jersey . Lowry joined TSN 1050 on Monday to discuss his personal growth, what was going through his mind on his final second drive and whether his future plans include staying in Toronto. “That last play will be my summertime grind,” Lowry said of his final shot which was blocked by Paul Pierce in the lane as time expired. Larry Foote Cardinals Jersey . -- Whenever a Royals pitcher has issued a walk lately, the runner has usually scored. HOYLAKE, England -- Walking off the 18th green as the British Open champion, Rory McIlroy kept gazing at all the greats on golfs oldest trophy. On the claret jug, his name is etched in silver below Phil Mickelson. In the record book, he is listed behind Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the youngest to get three legs of the career Grand Slam. And over four days at Royal Liverpool, he had no equal. "Im immensely proud of myself," McIlroy said after his two-shot victory Sunday that was never really in doubt. "To sit here, 25 years of age, and win my third major championship and be three-quarters of the way to a career Grand Slam ... yeah, I never dreamed of being at this point in my career so quickly." He had to work a little harder than he wanted for this one. Staked to a six-shot lead going into the final round, McIlroy turned back every challenge. He made two key birdies around the turn, and delivered a majestic drive at just the right moment to close with a 1-under 71 and complete his wire-to-wire victory. In another major lacking tension over the final hour, what brought The Open to life was the potential of its champion. After nearly two years of turmoil, McIlroy looked like the kid who shattered scoring records to win the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional, and who won the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island by a record eight shots a year later. Boy Wonder is back. Or maybe hes just getting started again. McIlroy won by two shots over Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler to become the first start-to-finish winner since Woods at St. Andrews in 2005. Even with one major left this year, the Northern Irishman already is looking ahead to Augusta National next April for a shot at the slam. "Ive really found my passion again for golf," McIlroy said. "Not that it ever dwindled, but its what I think about when I get up in the morning. Its what I think about when I go to bed. I just want to be the best golfer that I can be. And I know if I can do that, then trophies like this are within my capability." McIlroy put an end to this major with a powerful drive down the fairway at the par-5 16th, setting up a two-putt birdie to restore his lead to three shots. He finished with two pars, tapping in for par on the 18th green. The hard part was trying not to cry when his mother, Rosie, came onto the green with tears streaming down her face. She was not at the other two majors. Before leaving, McIlroy turned and applauded the fans in the horseshoe arena who were witness to another masterpiece. This could have been another romp except for a shaky stretch early for McIlroy, and solid efforts from Garcia and Fowler. Garcia pulled within two shots with four holes to play until he put his tee shot in a poot bunker just right of the 15th green. Kevin Minter Authentic Jersey. His first shot failed to get over the 4-foot sodden wall and rolled back into the sand. He made bogey, and two birdies over the final three holes were not enough. Garcia shot 66 and was runner-up in a major for the fourth time. "I think that we gave it a good effort," Garcia said. "And there was someone a little bit better." Fowler, playing in the final group for the second straight major, didnt do anything wrong. He just didnt do enough right to make up a six-shot deficit. Fowler played without a bogey, made three birdies on the last four holes and shot 67. "He played awesome," Fowler said. "And it was just kind of fun to throw a few shots at him coming. To see him win was pretty cool." It was the first time two straight majors were won wire to wire. Martin Kaymer did it last month at Pinehurst No. 2, taking the U.S. Open by eight shots. McIlroy, who finished at 17-under 271, wasnt the only big winner Sunday. Ten years ago, his father and three of his friends each put up 100 pounds ($170) at 500-1 odds that McIlroy would win the British Open before he turned 26. The kid made good on the best with a brand of golf that had him marked early as golfs next great player. McIlroy moved up to No. 2 in the world, perhaps on his way to regaining the No. 1 ranking that once looked as if it would be his for years. He ended the 2012 season by winning his second major and capturing the money title on the PGA Tour and European Tour. Since then, the road has been bumpier than some of the dunes at Hoylake. McIlroy signed a megadeal with Nike and switched out all his equipment. He changed management for the second time, leading to lawsuits that are still to be decided. And after getting engaged to Caroline Wozniacki on New Years Eve, he abruptly broke off the engagement in May with a telephone call. His path to victory in The Open was much smoother. McIlroy made back-to-back bogeys on the front nine and had to save par from a pot bunker to avoid a third. But he steadied himself with a birdie on the par-3ninth, and when Garcia made a 10-foot eagle ahead of him on the 10th to cut the lead to two, McIlroy answered with a two-putt birdie. Garcia blinked when he could least afford it, leaving a shot in the bunker at No. 15 as McIlroy watched from the tee. David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., tied for 32nd place after shooting a 71. Jim Furyk was among four players who tied the course record with a 65 to finish fourth. Tiger Woods was long gone. He finished his 75 as McIlroy was still on the practice range. Woods finished 69th -- his worst finish over 72 holes in any major -- and wound up 23 shots behind, his largest deficit ever in a major. ' ' '

Gilmore Junio has decided to take one for the team, giving up his spot in Wednesdays 1000-metre speed skating final for Canadian teammate Denny Morrison. Reggie Wayne Jersey . The three-time Olympian Morrison failed to qualify at the 1,000 distance at the Olympic trials in Calgary last month, falling just 50 metres short of the finish. But Junio, who finished 11th on Monday in his Olympic debut in the mens 500, said Tuesday its the right thing to do. “How Denny is skating now, I believe its in the best interest of the team if he races,” Junio said in a statement released by Speed Skating Canada. “To represent Canada at the Olympics is a huge honour and privilege but I believe that as Canadians, were not just here to compete; we are here to win. Denny has proven to be a consistent medal threat in the distance.” Its true Morrison is a contender at 1,000. Hes currently sixth in the World Cup standings at the distance, with a pair of fourth place finishes. In the past, hes won two silver medals at the world championships in the 1,000. The 28-year-old Fort St. John, B.C., native will try to win his first individual Olympic medal. Hes won gold and silver the last two Olympics as part of Canadas team pursuit. “This is an amazing gesture and Im ready to make the most of this opportunity,” Morrison said. Shani Davis of the United States will be gunning for another groundbreaking achievement in Wednesdays 1,000 metre race. Davis, 31, can become the first man ever to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in speed skating, and the first American to do three straight in any Winter Games sport. The Chicago native, who trained extensively at the Calgary Oval earlier this century, became the first African American to win Olympic gold in an individual Winter Games sport in 2006. Since then, hes set the world record at 1,000 and holds the top 10 sea level times at the distance. Given that Davis has twice won Olympic gold at 1,000 but has settled for silver twice in the 1,500, you might expect him to be more desirous of grabbing gold at the longer distance. Not so. "Those are my babies, man. I cant love one more than the other," he told The Associated Press last week. "Ive got two hands for two medals." Davis has shown signs of mortality in recent weeks. After winning the first three World Cup races at 1,000 this season, he finished third in December in Berlin to 2010 Olympic silver medallist Tae-Bum Mo of South Korea and Michel Mulder of the Netherlands. Last month, he split two races at the world sprint championships in January with Denis Kuzin of Kazakhstan. Other medal contenders include Dutch competitor Kjled Nuis and Brian Hansen, like Davis from the Chicago area. Three other Canadians join Morrison in Wednesdays race. William Dutton of Humboldt, Sask., and Muncef Ouardi each skated in the 500 metres on Monday. Dutton impressed at the sprint worlds Japan last month with a fourth place showing, although some of the worlds best elected not to travel to Japan. Vincent De Haître of Cumberland, Ont., will make his Olympic debut. The 19-year-old surprised many at the Olympic trials by posting the fastest time at 1,000. Jonathan Newsome Womens Jersey .C. -- Cam Newton wasnt flawless on Sunday. Greg Toler Colts Jersey . -- Champ Bailey finally gets a chance to live up to his name. Hard to imagine a venue, which played host to one of the Montreal Impacts most memorable matches in their history when over 55,000 packed in for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals in February 2009, would play spoiler for todays home opener. There goes my thinking as a parent that snow days only occurred at school. Not in a domed building. This for a stadium which has such a tarnished history it makes the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar appear like a rational decision. Increment weather may have played its part but the real issue here though is with the building itself. Todays postponement has certainly taken the gloss on what has been a very successful couple of months for the Impact off the pitch. Earlier this week the club announced a number of supplier partnerships which are expected to dramatically improve the in-stadium experience. This follows up from a number of announcements and events which have occurred throughout the off season. The Klopas announcement in mid-December could not have been better timed, as later that evening the Impact staged their inaugural Members General Assembly. Staged at the very same downtown hotel the Sounders will spend an extra night in this weekend, the event drew a highly passionate crowd of in excess of 500 season ticket holders who interacted with the Impacts brain trust. A Members Council comprising of 15 fans was introduced, it is they who will represent the supporters and stage regular meetings with club officials. The first of those meetings took place in the Impacts locker room at Saputo Stadium last month. How relieved David Moyes must be that Manchester United dont hold similar events. The bond between fan and club was further strengthened just before the season got underway when the Impact launched their new home shirt at a downtown venue which played host to Adele last time the Grammy winner played in town. There arent many supporters clubs in all of MLS as old as Montreals UM02, who ironically trace their roots back to the time the Toronto Lynx bought a boisterous number to Montreal for an A-League game back in 2002. The Montreal Impact could not have paid UM02 a greater compliment than by incorporating their moto "Toujours Fidèles" inside the collar of the new home shirt. The relationship between UM02 and the Impact has come a long way since the time of a walk out protest the night the Impact unveiled their MLS logo at an NASL match back in August 2011. It cant be overstated the role UM02 and the other supporters clubs, which have sprung up since MLS came to Montreal in 2012, play in bringing new fans through the gates. T.Y. Hilton Womens Jersey. The appetite for MLS has grown over the past two seasons, as has a much more genuine soccer atmosphere on match days. Dont be surprised if their ranks are swelled Sunday afternoon with a cameo appearance by Montreal Mayor, Denis Coderre - likely wearing the Impact shirt that was given to him when the Mayor met with Joey Saputo at City Hall early in the new year. When the club began their 2014 season ticket push last July an area of weakness in need of much improvement was with the Montreal business community. That matter seems to have been addressed in the off season. Try finding yourself a Saputo Stadium corporate box for the season. Increased chats about the Impact around the office water cooler can be nothing but a good thing. With the confirmation late this afternoon the game will go ahead Sunday afternoon, the Impact will need to build on what was an impressive display in Houston. Play those 90 minutes again and there is no way Houston would emerge with a 1-0 victory. Undeserved as the defeat was these though are the games that come the end of the season can be the difference maker when the playoff positions are handed out. Bruin got the fortunate deflection, Wenger the bobble of the ball when clean through on goal. A bounce here, a bounce there, the margin between defeat and victory can be cruel. The key now is how the team react to that set back. Playing against a team which suffered a home defeat last time out and one which is supposed to be amongst the Western Conference pace setters adds to the task. Of no consequence is the absence of USMNT star Clint Dempsey. The Impacts defence which looked shaky through the pre-season and during the opener in Dallas need to be focused, organized and disciplined throughout the 90. The early season form of rookie right back Eric Miller has been most impressive.  He plays with the confidence of an MLS veteran and has certainly seized his opportunities. Continuing to play as he has, then the number two position is his to lose.  With a fine display through a little over 70 minutes on the pitch in Houston its hard to imagine that Bernier underwent serious knee surgery in the off season. Just as Di Vaios goals did through 2013, Berniers relationship and understanding with Bernadello will go a long way to define the Impacts season. The Impact will be hoping the Olympic Stadium turf does not have any adverse effects on their 30-something skipper. The MLS All Star is the heartbeat of the club, on and off the pitch. You can reach and follow Noel Butler at:Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel on Twitter ' ' '

SACRAMENTO, Calif. Mike Glennon Black Friday Jersey . -- Rudy Gay walked off the court to a standing ovation in the final minutes, receiving high-fives from coaches and teammates on the bench -- and a hug from DeMarcus Cousins. Nobody might be more thankful than Sacramentos centre for the added help. Gay scored 26 points in his first home game since coming over in a trade from Toronto, leading the Kings past the Houston Rockets 106-91 on Sunday night. "It makes the game so much easier," Cousins said. "Its not such a heavy load on me and Isaiah (Thomas) every night, just having another go-to guy." With Gay leading the way, Sacramento outshot Houston 48.1 to 41.3 per cent and finally showed some signs of defence. Cousins collected 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Thomas had 19 points and eight assists to help Sacramento hold on to the lead for most of the final 35 minutes. Gay added five rebounds and four assists. He finished 10 for 20 from the field in a dazzling home debut for the Kings, who had lost eight of their past 10 games. "The basketball is going to be in my hands a lot," Gay said, "so Im just trying to keep everybody comfortable and keep everybody happy." James Harden sprained his left ankle early in the third quarter and finished with 25 points, and Dwight Howard had 13 points and 10 rebounds while battling foul trouble in a disappointing end to Houstons quick three-game road trip. The Rockets lost at Portland on Thursday and won at Golden State on Friday. Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson filled in for Kevin McHale all three games following the death of McHales mother. Guard Jeremy Lin sat out with back spasms and forward Terrence Jones had two points and five assists while playing just 15 minutes because of flu-like symptoms. Its unclear whether Harden or Lin will be able to play Wednesday against Chicago in Houston. "Its very, very painful," Harden said of his ankle. "I am trying to get through this, stay positive and focus on getting back." Sacramentos newest attraction seized the opportunity. Gay, who came over in a seven-player trade from Toronto last week, had 24 points in the loss at Phoenix on Friday. He started quickly in his first game at home for Sacramento, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, including a series of scintillating drives and dunks that brought most of the announced crowd of 15,606 roaring to their feet. "It makes my job easier on offence. Thats for sure," Kings coach Michael Malone said. "Hes so skilled. Hes so talented. He makes it look so easy out there. He can score in so many ways." As Houstons mistakes piled up, Sacramento surged ahead. The Kings took advantage of 11 turnovers by the Rockets in the first half to go ahead 48-38 late in the second quarter. Houston had six turnovers in the second half. Sacramento didnt exactly play a clean game, either. The Kings finished with 16 turnovers. "We still had opportunities to win," Howard said. "But we didnt capitalize on them." Harden gave the Rockets a bigger scare when he twisted his ankle stepping on Ben McLemores foot while driving through traffic early in the third quarter. Harden lay on the hardwood for a couple minutes, but stayed in the game to make both free throws -- lifting his left foot in the air while shooting -- before limping to the locker room. Harden returned later in the quarter, and appeared slightly hampered. The Rockets also struggled to regroup, especially with Howard on the bench in foul trouble. Sampson admitted he "probably should not have put" Harden back in the game. But he was more frustrated with Houstons effort from the start. "I didnt think we were ready to play," Sampson said. "I didnt think it was a good effort. We are letting too many of these type of games slip away." NOTES: Kings G Marcus Thornton did not play in the first half. He had two points in nearly 7 minutes in the second half. ... Houston had won five of its previous six games at Sacramento. ... Rockets big man Omer Asik, who has been the subject of trade rumours, missed his sixth straight game with what the team has called a bruised right thigh. Charles Sims Black Friday Jersey . Liverpool is at the top at Christmas for the first time since 2008 after scoring 42 goals. Only Manchester City has been more lethal in front of goal, with the team — a point behind Liverpool and Arsenal in third — scoring 51 goals in 17 games. Warren Sapp Black Friday Jersey .Y. -- Trevor Cooney and C.PHILADELPHIA -- The struggling Phillies have placed Laynce Nix on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf and called up three players from the minors. A reserve first baseman and outfielder, Nix is batting .326 with two homers and 11 RBIs. Philadelphia called up relievers Jake Diekman and Raul Valdes, and infielder Hector Luna from Triple-A Lehigh Valley before Friday nights game against the San Diego Padres. The teamm sent relievers Brian Sanches and Joe Savery to its top farm club. Michael Johnson Black Friday Jersey. The 25-year-old Diekman was 1-0 with five saves and a 0.59 ERA in 13 games at Triple-A, striking out 22 and walking three in 15 1-3 innings. Valdes, 34, was 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in 11 games. He has pitched in 54 major league games. The 32-year-old Luna, who had played in 311 big league games, hit .274 with 12 RBIs in 29 games at Lehigh Valley. ' ' '