National Sports

The exhibition games are over and Canada is set to defend its gold medal when the puck drops on Boxing Day for the world junior hockey championship The top 10 junior hockey nations will face off between Dec. 26 and Jan.

MONTREAL — Defenceman Karl Alzner was recalled from the American Hockey League by the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. He will join the Canadiens for practice on Thursday in Brossard, Que.

Rafael Benitez has little doubt Liverpool is ready to end a 28-year wait to win the English title.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James got good news Wednesday on his injured groin. But his games-played streak will end anyway.

There was a quiet poise to Brooke Henderson on that Sunday morning last summer in Regina ahead of her final round at the CP Women's Open.

VANCOUVER — He has yet to play an NHL game, but Canadian national junior team forward Nick Suzuki already has experienced quite a journey in the pro ranks. The 19-year-old from London, Ont.

Tuesday's Games NBA Milwaukee 109 New York 95 Houston 113 Oklahoma City 109 Boston 121 Philadelphia 114 (OT) L.A. Lakers 127 Golden State 101 Utah 117 Portland 96 --- Wednesday's Games (All Times Eastern) AHL Belleville at Toronto, 3 p.m.

Tuesday's Games NBA Milwaukee 109 New York 95 Houston 113 Oklahoma City 109 Boston 121 Philadelphia 114 (OT) L.A. Lakers 127 Golden State 101 Utah 117 Portland 96 --- The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Kasperi Kapanen expects there will be some good natured chirping in the Toronto Maple Leafs locker-room when the world junior hockey championship begins on Boxing Day.

VICTORIA — It's a Canadian Christmas tradition as enduring as gifts, gatherings and punch bowls of rum and egg nog.