National Sports

The Alberta Junior Hockey League, apparently caught off guard by the defection of five teams, has scratched four games from its schedule while it evaluates further implications.

CALGARY — Reece Howden and Hannah Schmidt produced double gold for the host Canadian team Saturday in World Cup ski cross.

MONTREAL — Avery Ellis and Najee Murray are both remaining with the Grey Cup-champion Montreal Alouettes. According to a CFL source, the two veteran Americans have both signed one-year contract extensions with Montreal.

The New York Islanders fired coach Lane Lambert and replaced him with Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy on Saturday, a stunning midseason change behind the bench for the disappointing former Eastern Conference playoff contenders.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Nicholas Paul and Tyler Motte scored 52 seconds apart in the first period, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 on Saturday for their fifth consecutive victory.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC transferred midfielder Caio Alexandre to Brazilian side Fortaleza EC on Saturday. In a statement, the Major League Soccer club said the transfer was activated after Alexandre met performance triggers during his loan.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and three assists, Logan O’Connor recorded a hat trick and the Colorado Avalanche held on to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4 on Saturday.

ZAŌ, JAPAN — It was a historic accomplishment Saturday for Canadian ski jumpers Alex Loutitt and Abigail Strate. The pair was second in a World Cup super team ski-jumping event, earning Canada it's first-ever medal in the competition.

TORONTO — Drake will be cheering for UFC middleweight champion Sean (Tarzan) Strickland at UFC 297 on Saturday night.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed Canadian receiver Drew Wolitarsky to a two-year contract extension Saturday. Wolitarsky was slated to become a free agent next month.