National Sports

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — Canada and the United States usually save their fireworks for later. Huge goals, big saves, moments of both triumph and heartbreak have peppered the intense rivalry at the world junior hockey championship through the years.

LEICESTER, England — First came the Champions League title, then the Club World Cup last week. Now, with a 13-point lead, Liverpool will surely be champions of England again by May.

DAVOS, Switzerland — Kevin Clark had a hat trick as the Canadian men's team opened the 2019 Spengler Cup with a 4-1 win over HC Ocelari Trinec on Thursday. Kris Versteeg also scored while Zachary Fucale made 27 saves for Canada (1-0-0).

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — Jan Jenik had a goal and an assist as the host Czech Republic opened the world junior hockey championship with a 4-3 win over Russia on Thursday.

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Nicole Gosling scored the winner as Canada opened the under-18 women's world championship with a 3-2 overtime victory against Russia on Thursday.

Bianca Andreescu started the season as an up-and-coming teenager eager to make her mark on the WTA Tour. She finished the campaign as one of its top stars.

Bianca Andreescu started the season as an up-and-coming teenager eager to make her mark on the WTA Tour. She finished the campaign as one of its top stars.

Wednesday's Games Pelicans 112, Nuggets 100 NBA Boston at Toronto, 12 p.m. Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 2:30 p.m. Houston at Golden State, 5 p.m. L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 8 p.m. New Orleans at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday's Games Pelicans 112, Nuggets 100 NBA Boston at Toronto, 12 p.m. Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 2:30 p.m. Houston at Golden State, 5 p.m. L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 8 p.m. New Orleans at Denver, 10:30 p.m. The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Kyle Lowry dressed for the special occasion in shoes with the names of his sons Karter and Kameron.