National Sports

MADRID — Canada has avoided a confrontation with any of the current top eight singles players in the world in the opening round of the inaugural Davis Cup finals. In the draw on Thursday, No.

TORONTO — Jeremy Lin came prepared for the Raptors. The nine-year-veteran did his homework in advance of his Toronto debut Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. It showed in the unlikeliest of places — the player introductions.

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Acadia University is joining St. Francis Xavier University in appealing a 10-game suspension handed to its men's hockey coach in the aftermath of an ugly brawl.

Underestimate the Toronto Defiant at your peril, says head coach Beoumjun (Bishop) Lee, whose esports team kicks off its inaugural season Friday in the Overwatch League.

CALGARY — From a glitzy awards ceremony in Monaco to the nordic trails of Prince George, B.C., Brian McKeever is in for a whirlwind week.

SYDNEY, N.S.

SYDNEY, N.S. — Jennifer Jones is back at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on an exemption as Team Canada. Rachel Homan had a guaranteed spot too before locking up the Ontario berth.

A list of some Canada Winter Games alumni: Alpine skiing: Erik Guay; Jan Hudec (1999). Boxing: Lennox Lewis (1983). Cross-country skiing: Chandra Crawford (2003); Brian McKeever (1999).

Ask one question about the Canada Games and NHL players perk up. "It was one of the first times you get free gear," Toronto Maple Leafs veteran Patrick Marleau stated. Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Reinhart recalled he and his B.C.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — A fresh start was exactly what the Anaheim Ducks needed. Kevin Boyle made 35 saves in his first career start and the Ducks beat the Vancouver Canucks 1-0 Wednesday night in general manager Bob Murray's first game as interim coach.