National Sports

Craig MacTavish's stint with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl is already over. The Kontinental Hockey League team fired its head coach Tuesday just eight games into the regular season. MacTavish was hired by the Russian club back in May.

Former Canada coach Kieran Crowley is keeping a close eye on the Rugby World Cup, especially Thursday when the Canadians open play against Italy in Fukuoka City.

Canada will be without forward Evan Olmstead and winger Taylor Paris when it opens Rugby World Cup play Thursday against Italy in Japan. Both are nursing knocks and have been ruled out of the match at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka City.

Evan Dunfee would normally be sleeping at the time he'll be stepping up to the start line at the world track and field championships.

MILAN — Lionel Messi won his sixth FIFA player of the year award, while Megan Rapinoe won her first at a lavish ceremony at Milan's iconic Teatro all Scala on Monday.

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Jordie Benn doesn't remember the last time he scored on a breakaway.

TORONTO — After Anthony Alford hit a walkoff home run in the 15th inning all of his Toronto Blue Jays teammates were grateful. Not just because they had won, but because they could go home.

MONTREAL — Michael Hutchinson is making his case as the front-runner to land Toronto's backup goaltender job. Hutchinson made 38 saves for the shutout as the Toronto Maple Leafs blanked the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Monday in pre-season play.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Kayla Alexander had a game-high 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead Canada's women's basketball team in a 87-51 rout over Cuba on Monday at the FIBA AmeriCup.

LAWRENCE, Kan.