National Sports

TORONTO — Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner returned to Toronto's lineup against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night following an 18-game absence due to a back injury. The 28-year-old blue-liner last suited up on Feb.

TORONTO — Between a mid-season trade, heartbreak at the world junior championship and a disappointing NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks, Mikey DiPietro hasn't had many reasons to smile this season.

Canadian guard Bridget Carleton has been named the winner of the 2019 Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award after her stellar season at Iowa State. The native of Chatham, Ont.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps know what they'll be facing if star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes the field on Friday. The larger-than-life Swedish forward had two goals in his return to the L.A. Galaxy's lineup last weekend.

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State guard Lindell Wigginton is the latest Canadian to declare himself eligible for this year's NBA draft. Wigginton, a sophomore from Dartmouth, N.S.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Despite a torrid spring training and an obvious youth movement underway in Toronto, Bo Bichette is content — for now — with being one step away from his Blue Jays debut.

TORONTO — Brazilian fullback Auro is questionable for Toronto's FC's home game Saturday against the visiting Chicago Fire. Coach Greg Vanney said Auro was feeling soreness in his semitendinosus muscle, located in the high hamstring area.

Janine Beckie will see plenty of familiar faces when she lines up for Canada against England in an international soccer friendly Friday in Manchester.

TORONTO — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have the first overall pick when the CFL conducts its first-ever European player draft next Thursday.

ESPOO, Finland — The coach voiced his displeasure, the players got the message, and Canada posted a 6-0 win over Switzerland to start the women's world hockey championship Thursday.