National Sports

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — Canada eased into last year's world junior hockey championship. The host country led its opener against Denmark 3-0 after the first period, 8-0 through two and pumped home six more over the final 20 minutes of a 14-0 romp.

BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff, known for his outgoing and friendly personality, dapper dress and great love of sports, has died. He was 34. The sports network announced Aschoff died Tuesday after a brief illness.

TORONTO — Enes Kanter wore his heart on his chest for the Boston Celtics' Christmas Day game in Toronto. The Turkish centre arrived at Scotiabank Arena wearing a black T-shirt that read "Freedom for All.

Wednesday's Games (All Times Eastern) 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

Monday's Games NHL Toronto 8, Carolina 6 Minnesota 3, Calgary 0 Boston 7, Washington 3 Columbus 3, N.Y. Islanders 2 Philadelphia 5, N.Y.

Monday's Games NHL Toronto 8, Carolina 6 Minnesota 3, Calgary 0 Boston 7, Washington 3 Columbus 3, N.Y. Islanders 2 Philadelphia 5, N.Y.

VANCOUVER — Three straight wins heading into the Christmas break has given the Vancouver Canucks a dose of self-confidence, but goaltender Jacob Markstrom says his team hasn’t proven anything yet.

TORONTO — Bianca Andreescu's 2020 debut has been pushed back. The reigning US Open champion was forced to withdraw from her first scheduled event of the season, next month's ASB Classic in New Zealand, due to an ongoing knee injury.

WINNIPEG — Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadiens are feeling the holiday cheer ahead of time.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators head into the Christmas break feeling pretty good about their game. Thanks to a two-goal night by Jean-Gabriel Pageau, the Senators (16-18-4) beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 Monday night.