National Sports

Toronto has been awarded the WNBA’s first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026. Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures is paying $50 million for the team.

The Edmonton Oilers visit the Dallas Stars to open the Western Conference final, and the Florida Panthers have an early lead over the New York Rangers in the East. Here are five things to know entering Thursday’s post-season action.

MONTREAL — Forge FC secured a historic 2-1 victory over CF Montreal at Stade Saputo on Wednesday evening to book their ticket to the Canadian Championship semifinal.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky had a long stretch without seeing a shot on goal in the middle of the game, and then there was a flurry in the third period. No matter, he stopped everything that came his way.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic led a strong finish for the Dallas Mavericks , swishing crucial shots down the stretch, drawing a couple of fouls and even playing strong defense.

TORONTO — For one night at least, the Toronto Blue Jays turned back the clock and looked like the offensive powerhouse that often clubbed its way to victory a couple seasons ago.

DALLAS — Pete DeBoer met with his captain shortly after arriving in Texas. The message from the Dallas Stars head coach to Jamie Benn in June 2022 was clear. And the veteran forward was fully on board.

NEW YORK (AP-CP) — Canadian basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is a unanimous selection to the All-NBA first team.

NEW YORK — Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks is this season's Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL's coach of the year. The league announced Tocchet as the recipient, as selected by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association, on Wednesday.

CALGARY — Calgary Flames assistant coach Marc Savard and the NHL club have agreed to part company. The Flames announced Savard's departure Wednesday.