National Sports

Jason Spezza believes the Maple Leafs' turbulent first 70 games of 2019-20 will pay dividends down the road. And the veteran Toronto centre wants to be part of whatever's to come.

TORONTO — There won't be any surprises Wednesday when it comes to the No. 1 selection at the 2020 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Dejon Brissett has a valuable asset to help guide him through the CFL draft process. The University of Virginia receiver's younger brother, Oshae, is a guard/forward on a two-way deal with the NBA's Toronto Raptors.

CALGARY — Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Dylan Cozens and Spoken Chiefs forward Adam Beckman were named finalists for the Western Hockey League's Four Broncos Trophy that goes the season's most valuable player. The winner will be announced May 20.

The UFC has cancelled four upcoming fight cards but says it will stage a show in early May. The mixed martial arts organization has scrapped televised events April 25 in Lincoln, Neb.

One of the best Nova Scotian athletes in history needs just a single word to describe the current situation in her province — "surreal.

Soccer’s international governing body says it will maintain funding for women’s soccer despite concerns about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

TORONTO — Michael Hoecht couldn't have picked a better time to crack the CFL Scouting Bureau's top-20 list.

Rugby Canada is staying mum on its choice of chairman in World Rugby's increasingly messy elections, at least for now. Vice-chairman Agustin Pichot is running against incumbent Bill Beaumont for World Rugby's top position.

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench into Brett Lauther's plans. The Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker was planning to spend the off-season in Regina training at the team's facility in preparation for the 2020 season.