National Sports

TORONTO — Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro is optimistic his team will be able play in Toronto next season, but adds there are currently too many variables to begin planning.

Wayne Gretzky's name appears at No. 1 an astounding 60 times in the NHL's record book. More than two decades after retiring, The Great One set another high-water mark Friday.

Canadian linebacker Geoff Cantin-Arku's first season as a starter at Syracuse was indeed bittersweet. Wins were at a premium for the Orange (1-10), which finished their season with a 45-21 loss to No. 2 Notre Dame last weekend.

OTTAWA — Canada's health minister says the federal government cannot stop private corporations from negotiating with vaccine manufacturers. However, Patty Hajdu said publicly bought COVID-19 vaccines will not be available for private purchase.

It's shaping up to be a season to forget for the Dallas Cowboys but veteran Canadian long-snapper L.P. Ladouceur is closing in a historic mark. Dallas's game Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals will be the 250th of Ladouceur's NFL career.

CALGARY — The feeling her speedskating season is slipping away compelled world champion Ivanie Blondin to break ranks with the Canadian team.

Canada's roster for the 2021 world junior hockey championship: Forwards — Quinton Byfield, Newmarket, Ont., Sudbury (OHL); Dylan Cozens, Whitehorse, Lethbridge (WHL); Dylan Holloway, Bragg Creek, Alta.

The Toronto Raptors will take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in front of a national U.S. television audience on Feb. 18. The game is one of three that's being aired in the U.S.

TORONTO — After two seasons in the Canadian Premier League, York 9 FC is rebranding. The club will be known as York United Football Club with a new crest and jersey to go with the name.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — With rookie Cam Akers running wild for the Rams and his defensive teammates thoroughly stifling the Patriots, Los Angeles got a tiny measure of payback for its Super Bowl embarrassment two years ago.