National Sports

HALIFAX — After six days of preliminary-round action, sudden-death play is set to begin at the Memorial Cup.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired former Florida Panthers assistant coach Paul McFarland for the same role on head coach Mike Babcock's staff. McFarland replaces D.J. Smith, who was named head coach of the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.

MONTREAL — For the first time in nearly two years, the Montreal Impact will play a Major League Soccer match without midfielder Samuel Piette.

HOMER GLEN, Ill. — Wearing a black shirt with "Fight for your happiness" on the front and "Sick not weak" on the back, Daniel Carcillo eats an apple as his wife makes a cappuccino nearby and their oldest daughter scampers around the kitchen.

TORONTO — The federal government is providing $4.3 million to help Canada prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Kirsty Duncan, minister of science and sport, made the announcement Thursday morning at BMO Field.

Wednesday's Games Memorial Cup At Halifax Rouyn-Noranda 4 Halifax 3 --- AHL Playoffs Western Conference final San Diego 3 Chicago 2 (San Diego leads series 2-1) --- MLB American League Oakland 7 Cleveland 2 Texas 2 Seattle 1 N.Y.

Wednesday's Games Memorial Cup At Halifax Rouyn-Noranda 4 Halifax 3 --- AHL Playoffs Western Conference final San Diego 3 Chicago 2 (San Diego leads series 2-1) --- MLB American League Oakland 7 Cleveland 2 Texas 2 Seattle 1 N.Y.

TORONTO — Ryan Telfer's goal in the 71st minute lifted the Canadian Premier League's York9 FC to a 1-0 win over AS Blainville on Wednesday night to advance to the second qualifying round of the Canadian Championship.

HALIFAX — Not every victory brings joy. At least in a four-team, round-robin tournament.

TORONTO — Boston's Michael Chavis hit a solo homer off Jimmy Cordero in the 13th inning as the Red Sox outlasted the plucky Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre.