National Sports

ROME (AP) — Benetton and Italy prop Ivan Nemer was suspended until the end of the season on Friday after giving a rotten banana to a Black teammate. During a secret Santa exchange of gifts at a Benetton team dinner on Dec.

Veteran goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who survived a string of injuries to win 119 caps for Canada over a distinguished senior career that spanned more than two decades, has announced her retirement from international soccer. McLeod, who turns 40 on Feb.

MONTREAL — The decision to undergo right shoulder surgery was a calculated group decision, but not a very popular one for Cole Caufield.

Expansion Vancouver FC will kick off life in the Canadian Premier League at provincial rival Pacific FC on April 14 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. The Friday night matchup serves as the opener to the league's fifth season. The two B.C.

TORONTO — Grey Cup hero Robbie Smith is staying put. The Canadian defensive lineman signed a contract extension with the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. Smith was slated to become a free agent next month. The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont.

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews will miss at least three weeks with a knee sprain, the team announced Friday. The 25-year-old centre has 25 goals and 53 points in 47 contests this season.

The Arctic Winter Games are a family affair for siblings Brooklyn and Jordan Wills of Team Alberta North. Mother Ashleigh is a mission staff member for the team and father Cory previously competed and coached at the Games.

Canadians make up 44 per cent of Premier Hockey Federation players this season, with two of seven teams in the women's league based north of the border.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic put aside some shaky play in the early going and took over his Australian Open semifinal against unseeded American Tommy Paul on Friday, winning 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 to close in on a 10th championship at Melbourne

CALGARY — Chicago Blackhawks rookie goalie Jaxson Stauber is playing like a veteran even though he's just two games into his NHL career.