Even with a complete roster, Team Czech Republic would have a hard time winning this years World Cup of Hockey. By choice or by circumstance, the team is forging ahead without many of its top scorers and with the tournaments least experienced blue line. Is there a realistic path to victory for the Czech Republic?The odds are certainly stacked against Team Czech Republic, who were slotted in Group A with Team Canada, Team USA and Team Europe. Because only two teams advance to the semifinal round, they need to dispatch fellow long-shot Team Europe in the round robin and achieve a flat-out upset against either the Americans or the Canadians.Assuming the Czechs advance, the semifinal will be a single game against one of the two winners of Group B, which could include another underdog. Although that might be an ideal situation for an upset, the victor then faces the ultimate obstacle: a three-game series that will most assuredly be against one of the tournaments powerhouses. Jay Novacek Jersey . Argentina winger Ezequiel Lavezzi and France midfielder Blaise Matuidi scored, with star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic setting up both despite having a poor game by his high standards. Forward Eduardo gave Ajaccio the lead in the sixth minute after being set up by right winger Benjamin Andre, and the Corsican side looked comfortable in the first half, with the lively Johan Cavalli causing problems with his probing runs from midfield. Tony Dorsett Jersey . There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters. http://www.shoptheofficialcowboys.com/Elite-Connor-Mcgovern-Cowboys-Jersey/ . -- There were so many positives from the Orlando Magics first victory of the season that it was hard for coach Jacque Vaughn to stop praising his players. Amari Cooper Womens Jersey .com) - Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer were easy first-round winners Tuesday at the Australian Open. Daryl Johnston Jersey . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. The Texas Rangers outrighted right-handed pitchers?Lucas Harrell and Shawn Tolleson on Wednesday, John Blake, the teams executive vice president of communications, announced via Twitter. Each pitcher has elected free agency, per Blake.Both Harrell and Tolleson were on the 60-day disabled list; Harrell because of a right groin strain and Tolleson due to a lower back strain.?Tolleson began the 2016 season as the Rangers closer but was sent to Triple-A Round Rock after the team acquired Harrell from the Atlanta Braves?on July 27. In 37 relief appearances thiss past season, Tolleson was 2-2 with a 7.dddddddddddd8 ERA. He was 11-for-15 in save opportunities and lost his job as the closer after blowing consecutive saves in May. Sam Dyson took over the closers role.?Harrell was 1-0 in four starts for the Rangers, and 3-2 in nine total starts. He posted 4.21 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and struck out 36 batters in 47 total innings this season. As a Ranger, Harrell had 15 punchouts in 17 2/3 innings. ' ' '

The news headlines were unforgiving: fails, misses and comes up short in reference to Allyson Felixs unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the Rio Olympics in the 200-meter dash, her signature event.But the focus now for the three-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist is not on the missed opportunity after placing fourth at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon. Its on a reimagined one: three gold medals instead of four.Prior to the 200-meter race at the legendary Hayward Field, Felix already had qualified for Rio in the 400 meters. She won the event in 49.68 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year. Seven days later on July 10, when she attempted the other half of the double goal, she came through the finish just a hundredth of a second shy of becoming only the third American to qualify for the 200 and 400 in the Olympics. The feat has been achieved only by Michael Johnson in 1996 and Valerie Brisco-Hooks in 1984.Felix entered the trials physically vulnerable. In late April, she nursed an ankle injury suffered during a weight training session, which prevented her from performing crucial speed work leading into the trials. She needed a top-three finish in the 200 to advance to Rio but was edged by Jenna Prandini.Despite the unexpected outcome, the 30-year-old Felix shared that her disposition entering her fourth and possibly final Olympic Games remains strong. Shes on the hunt for gold this August -- in the 400 meters and potentially the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.espnW: There was a slight delay in posting the finishing times on the scoreboard. What was your reaction? I knew that it had to be extremely close because of the proximity that Jenna and I were to each other. The time that I ran was just more confirmation that I wasnt where I needed to be. It was a hard race. I could think, what if, but thats not my reality. The world doesnt wait for you. You have to pick up the pieces, and theres a race to be ran at the Olympics. Ive just got to keep moving forward.Knowing you were about to compete less prepared than what you would have liked, how did that impact your confidence at the trials? As far as the speed work, I didnt really get to it. There was a lot of uncertainty because typically I go into a season with five or six races before I go to trials or nationals. I had two low-key races in L.A. So I wasnt quite sure what to expect. I felt confident that I worked really hard, but it was more doubt in my body, that it couldnt hold up through everything that I needed it to do. I just didnt quite feel myself in the 200. It was a more difficult race.Hows your ankle?Its doing better. Its a process. It never had time to heal because I didnt have time. I go to therapy every morning, and Im still doing rehab so obviously its not 100 percent. But Im hoping itll be much closer to that by the time I actually have to step on the track in Rio.Its a balance between pushing yourself, but not too much, so you stay healthy.Exactly. That was the issue since it happened. What can we do, and what cant we do?How are you managing that balance as you prepare for Rio?Training definitely looks different than it typically would because Im still getting huge amounts of therapy, still spending a lot of time with rehab exercises, and I cant do everything that I would like to do. But its looking closer and better than before.How are you reprocessing your expectations?I had to refocus. My goals are different now. Different doesnt always have to mean negative or that its something bad. Every event that Im in Im going after gold. Before, I had wanted to go after four gold medals, and now after trials, my goal is to go after three gold medals, so just one event less is the difference.In what ways has your coach Bob Kersee influenced your perspective since the trials?Hes been everything. Folgers [coffee] is doing a campaign with the hashtag one cup at a time, and it celebrates influential people in my life and people whove made a difference. Bobby is obviously that person for me. He believed in me more than I believed in myself from the moment the injury happened. He was that person with the wisdom and the knowledge telling me we were still going after everything the same. Hes helped me regroup and continues to push me the only way he knows he can do.What is it about your bond with him that has helped you thrive?Its really just his personality. We just have a great partnership. Were complete opposites. Hes loud and yells, but we work well together. And also, just his wisdom. I look at the things that I want to accomplish, and hes been there, done that. Its great when you can have that trust in someone that has done it before and can lead you there.Earlier this year when the injury happened, I was feeling sorry for myself and a little down, like I had done all of this work, and it felt like it was all for nothing. When I came home from the doctor, he was at my house. He was icing with me every 20 minutes and had a talk with me about still going after everything I wanted and not letting this [the injury] change things. That was a moment when he saw something that I couldnt see.Youve said youre not ruling out Rio as your last Olympics. This could be it or not. Im just taking everything year by year. But Im definitely going into this one to just appreciate everything and be grateful to be there and give it my all.Do you feel nostalgic since competing in your first Olympics in Athens at 18?Its so crazy, man. I dont know where the time has gone. I remember when I was 18, everything was completely new, and I was taking everything in. And now Im coming in very focused with a very clear-cut goal. But one thing remains the same: my passion and love for the sport and love for the Olympic spirit. I get so excited about opening ceremonies and everything that the Olympics has to offer. It is different this time around, but that excitement and joy are definitely still there.What will bring you full satisfaction in Rio?To walk away with three gold medals would be amazing. But also just getting to that starting line with the ups and downs, completing the journey ... that will also make me very happy. Mike Wagner Youth Jersey . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Carnell Lake Steelers Jersey . Hey!" The lower tier of the School End of Queens Park Rangers Loftus Road was packed solid with a very festive-sounding Chelsea choral section in this particular part of South Africa Road London, W12. http://www.steelerspronfl.com/Youth-Rocky-Bleier-Elite-Jersey/ . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net. Diontae Johnson Womens Jersey . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Terry Bradshaw Jersey . After dropping their final six games of December, the Wild opened the new calendar year with four consecutive wins. Following a loss to Colorado on Saturday, Minnesota rebounded the following night to blank Nashville 4-0, but then had the tables turned on them Tuesday. CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Mississippi State coach Ben Howland is done trusting last years film on the NCAAs tallest player, UCF 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall.That kids a lot better than last year, Howland said.And that could be very bad news for the Knights opponents this season.Fall had a career-high 26 points and 12 rebounds in UCFs runaway, 86-61 victory over the Bulldogs at the Charleston Classic on Thursday.Fall, considered a project during his freshman year, was nimble around the basket and dominant when he got the ball -- eight of his 13 made baskets were dunks. He and the Knights made quick work of Mississippi State, taking a 29-point lead in the opening half and never giving up the double-digit margin the rest of the way.I have confidence from coaches and my teammates because they know I can do whats needed for us to win, Fall said.First-year UCF coach Johnny Dawkins was grateful to see Fall on the roster when he came over after eight years at Stanford. Fall has been coachable and eager to improve, Dawkins said.Its a unique opportunity, he said. Tackos made it enjoyable because hes allowed us to coach him as he grows in the game.Fall finished shooting 13 of 17 and added three blocks and an assist as the Knights cruised the victory.Tank Efianayi had 17 points, 15 coming in UCFs big first half as it made 19 of 30 shots to take a 53-33 lead. B.J. Taylor also finished with 17 points for the Knights.Fall choked off any thoughts of a Mississippi State comeback with the first two baskets of the second half, including a gliding one-handed jam as the crowd at TD Arena cheered.He surpassed his previous high of 23 points set against Stetson last December.The Bulldogs could not respond and fell into the losers brackett of the eight-team tournament.ddddddddddddThe Knights will face home-standing College of Charleston on Friday night for a spot in the championship finals.BIG PICTUREMississippi State: The Bulldogs fell into a big hole early and could not dig themselves out. They went nearly seven minutes with just two baskets as UCF built a 29-point lead in the first half. Thats not going to cut it when Southeastern Conference play rolls around.UCF: Theres no bigger picture for the Knights than Tacko Fall, who according to the school is one of the worlds 40 tallest living human beings. Hes also the tallest player in the NCAA and played like it against Mississippi State. Cant see why Fall could not continue this kind of play once UCF begins American Athletic Conference play.TALL PROBLEMSUCFs Fall affected Mississippi States offense as well. Its tallest starter, 6-10 Aric Holman who scored 11 points in the Bulldogs opening win last week, was only 2 of 4 shooting in 28 minutes as he spent much of his time fronting the 7-6 Fall. Schnider Herard, also 6-10, missed both shots he took in 18 minutes and had four fouls subbing in on UCFs biggest player.EFFICIENT PLAYPoint guard B.J. Taylor finished with 17 points, but Dawkins was far more pleased with him handing out 10 assists without turning the ball over in 35 minutes of play. Dawkins, a former All-American point guard for Duke, said Taylor protecting and distributing the ball to the right people will be a big reason for UCFs potential success this year.UP NEXTMississippi State faces Boise State on FridayUCF will play College of Charleston on Friday. ' ' '

NEW YORK -- It was the match of the tournament, hands down. Lucas Pouille, the fearless Frenchman, beat No. 4 Rafael Nadal in a hair-raising 4-hour, 7-minute battle.It has twists and turns aplenty, but in the end, Pouille showed why he is touted as one of the top up-and-coming talents. In case you missed it, heres how that match, along with other top storylines from Day 7, unfolded:Seemingly down and out, Nadal made one final push.?Ready, Set, Rafa2-time champ isnt going down without a fight. He wins 4th set 6-3, pushing Pouille to a decider. pic.twitter.com/cGVFh0XBHI- ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 4, 2016The fifth set was an ultra-intense, back-and-forth battle.Things are HEATING up on Ashe.Pouille consolidates the break and is just one game away from a R16 win over Nadal. pic.twitter.com/URE5Hu5t5i- ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 4, 2016The final set reached 6-6 -- a situation Nadal had not seen in more than a decade.Rafa has played 3 5th set tiebreakers. None in a Slam. Last one was 2006 Rome. (D. Federer)- Chris McKendry (@ChrisMcKendry) September 4, 2016In the end, an untimely mistake by Nadal deep in the tiebreaker cost him the match.WHAT. A. MATCH.22yo @la_pouille wins 4hr 7min thriller over two-time champ Nadal 6-1 2-6 6-4 3-6 7-6(6). #USOpen pic.twitter.com/nMCYuuBeeY- ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 4, 2016Amazingly, the loss ended one of Rafas great streaks.This is the 1st year since 2004 Rafael Nadal has not reached the quarterfinal at a Grand Slam in a calendar year. pic.twitter.com/j48TSJQxt4- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 4, 2016But worry not, the 14-time Grand Slam champion isnt going anywhere, so he says.I need to keep improving the level of tennis, to be back where I was before the injury. - Rafael Nadal pic.twitter.com/GucXfLzGnE- ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 5, 2016The truth is, though, that Nadals loss opened up a lot of questions about his future. He has openly admitted to a crisis of confidence, and hes not getting any younger. At this point, we have to wonder whether Nadal is becoming a sentimental favorite rather than a player with realistic title hopes. ?Nadal: Another opportunity lostPouille wasnt the only Frenchman who walked away from the US Open pumped up Sunday.En quart !!! ??????? #USOPEN #TsongaTeam pic.twitter.com/ZP7bqnbash- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) September 4, 2016Tsonga put an end to any hope an American man would win a Grand Slam by beating Jack Sock,?the last remaining Yank. That makes it 12 years and 362 days since an American man captured a Slam. But in this case, it wasnt about what Sock didnt do; rather what Jo-Willy did do. Serving notice like never before?And not to be outdone, ANOTHER Frenchman moved on. Gael Monfils beat down Marcos Baghdatis. Monfils has yet to drop a set in the tournament. And, naturally, he put on a show for the fans as well.ICYMI: This happened today.#USOpen https://t.co/cHKBQ1SBLl- ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 4, 2016Finally, in one of the feel-good stories of the tournament, Caroline Wozniacki beat Madison Keys with little resistance. How was she feeling afterward?Mood!!!! @usopen ???? pic.twitter.com/28mJ7XCtZ3- Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) September 4, 2016Woz, who was twice the year-end No. 1, said she had become more or less irrelevant when it came to vetting the top stars chances of winning Grand Slams. But while we might have lost self-belief in the Dane, she sure did not. As she said afterward, To be honest, at this point, Im very much like I dont care what my ranking is. Because if Im not in the top five, I feel like its not where I want to be. So at that point, whether Im 20 in the world or 100 in the world, it doesnt matter. Im going to play the same people anyway. Read more Mark Andrews Ravens Jersey . He just needed to be his best twisting, turning acrobatic self. "I didnt need to be anybody else, I just needed to be myself and be aggressive," said Burks, who scored a career-high 34 points to spark the Utah Jazz to a 118-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Trace McSorley Jersey . LOUIS -- St. http://www.cheapravensshoponline.com/Youth-iman-marshall-ravens-jersey/ . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Marquise Brown Youth Jersey . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. Justin Tucker Womens Jersey . 10 Texas A&Ms offence dominated as usual against SMU. INDIANAPOLIS -- Andrew Luck took the next step in the concussion protocol Wednesday by returning to full workouts at the Indianapolis Colts headquarters.If he is cleared by an independent doctor following practice, Indys franchise quarterback could start Monday night against the New York Jets.Luck missed his first game of the season last Thursday after complaining of concussion-like symptoms after a win Nov. 20 against Tennessee.He entered the leagues mandated protocol, but didnt haave enough time to clear all of the steps before the Thanksgiving night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.dddddddddddd.When Luck returned to the team complex Monday, he told reporters he felt 100 percent. But he still had to complete a full practice before being cleared.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

LAS VEGAS -- These are ESPN Chalks weekly NFL betting recaps for every Sunday game -- with an emphasis on the word betting. Gale Sayers Youth Jersey .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. Walter Payton Jersey . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. http://www.bearsrookiestore.com/Bears-Tom-Waddle-Jersey/ . The quest begins with what is supposed to be an easy one, although Germany has traditionally been a stubborn opponent to Canadian teams at international tournaments. Chicago Bears Jerseys . LOUIS -- St. Richard Dent Youth Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . GWS have continued the AFL Womens raid on other codes by signing basketball veteran Jess Bibby and Canberra United W-League captain Ellie Brush to rookie contracts.Former Opal Bibby won five WNBL titles with Canberra and Dandenong before retiring at the end of last seasons competition, while Brush will play in the coming W-League season before joining the Giants.ddddddddddddThey join Olympians Erin Phillips (basketball) and Kim Mickle (athletics), who have signed for rival AFL Womens clubs Adelaide and Fremantle respectively. ' ' '

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan was optimistic Friday that running back LeSean McCoy (hamstring) will be able to play Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.I feel like hes really close, Ryan said. Hopefully ... Im thinking hes going.The Bills officially listed McCoy as questionable on Saturday. He was listed as a limited participant in practice both Thursday and Friday.?McCoy did not practice last week or play in a 41-25 loss Sunday to the New England Patriots. He initially injured his hamstring in practice Oct. 19 before aggravating the injury during an Oct. 23 loss to the Miami Dolphins.Despite McCoys injury, he played nearly every offensive snap in the first half of that game and was ineffective. McCoy totaled 11 yards on eight carries before leaving the contest in the third quarter when he experienced pain in his injured left hamstring.Asked Friday if McCoys workload could be limited if he is active Monday night, Ryan said, I dont know. Well see how the thing plays out. I think if he put him out there, hes full go. He looks full go to me. Obviously the experts will handle it, but he looks pretty good to me.McCoy has 598 rushing yards on 112 carries this season, including six touchdowns. His backup, Mike Gillislee, gained 85 yards on 12 carries in in the loss to New England. David Luiz Jersey . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. Cesar Azpilicueta Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. http://www.chelseafcproshop.com/Kids-Cesar-Azpilicueta-Jersey/ . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. NGolo Kante Chelsea Jersey . Vettel, who has already clinched his fourth straight F1 title, enters the finale with a chance to equal Michael Schumachers 13 victories in a year and match the record of nine consecutive wins by Alberto Ascari in the 1952 and 1953 seasons. Danny Drinkwater Jersey . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Reggie Baker had 21 points, Brandon Tabb scored 20 on 8-of-12 shooting and Bethune-Cookman cruised to an 82-52 win over Trinity on Friday night.Jeffrey Altidort had eight assists and eight steals and Ulmer Manzie scored 10 points for Bethune-Cookman.Quinton Forrest had a steal and then converted a three-point play to cap a 10-3 run to open the game and the Wildcats (2-1) never trailed. Baker had a steal and a breakaway layup and then, after Houston Smiths steal on the other end, hit a 3-pointer to cap a 14-2 run that made it 40-21 with 33 seconds left in the half.dddddddddddd.Trinity, a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association, made just 4 of 14 from 3-point range and committed 33 turnovers which led to 42 Bethune-Cookman points.The Tigers used a 15-7 edge on the offensive glass to outscore Trinity 20-5 on second-chance points. ' ' '

CLEVELAND -- The AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians acquired outfielder Brandon Guyer from Tampa Bay for two minor leaguers on Monday.Cleveland sent outfielder Nathan Lukes and right-hander Jhonleider Salinas to Tampa Bay.Guyer, a right-handed hitter, is batting .241 with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 63 games. He has been hit by a pitch 23 times, a major league high, and is batting .344 (22 for 64) with four homers against left-handers.The 30-year-old Guyer played all three outfield positions with the Rays this season. He spent most of June on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.Theyre in a playoff race. Im looking to go there and help anyway I can and see what happens, Guyer said before Tampa Bay hosted Kansas City.I loved my time here. My family loved it here. Its part of the business. I was surprised, you know. In this game, anything can happen at any time. So, its bittersweet, but Im looking forward to going to the Indians and helping them win.Guyer is making $1,185,000 this year and is eligible for free agency after the 2018 season.The Indians designated veteran third baseman Juan Uribe for assignment. Vincent Lecavalier Jersey . Pert has formerly spent time as an assistant coach with Cardiff City, Coventry City, and Bahrain mens national team. "Martyn is a highly-respected coach with experience at the top levels in England," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. Mikhail Sergachev Jersey . -- Yogi Ferrell orchestrates pretty much everything in Indianas offence. http://www.lightninghockeystore.us/ . Supported by three-run homers from Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos, the young right-hander went seven strong innings in the Washington Nationals 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. Mikhail Sergachev Lightning Jersey . Laudrup revealed Thursday he was notified of his dismissal in "the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary. Ondrej Palat Jersey . Robredo, ranked No. 16, bounced back from an upset loss to Leonardo Mayer in the second round of the Royal Guard Open in Chile last week to down Carreno Busta in 1 hour, 25 minutes. On a day filled mostly with qualifying matches, fifth-seeded Marcel Granollers of Spain also entered the second with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 win over Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia, while Guido Pella of Argentina defeated Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 7-6 (6), 6-4 to advance.CALGARY -- Steve Yzerman would prefer to get Canadas players on the ice at the upcoming orientation camp for the Olympic mens hockey team. But the price tag to insure players against injury is too high for Hockey Canada, so the four-day camp starting Sunday in Calgary will consist of informational meetings about the Games in Sochi, Russia, and fostering team chemistry off the ice. "Not going on the ice isnt the end of the world," says Yzerman, the executive director of the national mens team. "Theres lot of other things that need to be done in preparation, logistically going through how were going to get there, where well stay, where family and friends may stay, a walkthrough of the venues, drug testing policy, a lot of informational things we need to go through and get out of the way. This is a good time to do it." Forty-seven players -- five goaltenders, 17 defencemen and 25 forwards -- are scheduled to arrive in Calgary on Sunday and head to Hockey Canadas headquarters at Canada Olympic Park on the citys west side. Canada can take three goaltenders and 22 skaters to Sochi. Among the summer camp invitees are 15 players who won Olympic gold in Vancouver in 2010, including Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh stars overtime goal lifted Canada to a 3-2 win over the U.S. in the final. Players invited to the same orientation camp in the summer of 2009 skated daily and finished with an intra-squad game that drew a sellout crowd to the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Saddledome is undergoing restoration from severe flooding in June, but thats not keeping the players off the ice next week, says Yzerman. "Its strictly insurance," he explains. "Its because of the high cost of insurance Hockey Canada is obligated to place on the players were not going to skate." Its up to each countrys federation to insure NHL players against injury at summer camps. Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson has said that would cost over $1 million for the invited 47, whose combined 2013-14 salaries total $259 million, according to capgeek.com. Canadas isnt the only ice-free summer camp. USA Hockey has also decided against an on-ice component to its mens Olympic camp in Arlington, Va., on Monday and Tuesday. The 2014 mens Olympic hockey tournament will be played on wide, internationnal ice, which places a premium on a players skating ability.dddddddddddd The new Markin MacPhail Centre at COP boasts a rink that size. When asked if he wished the Canadians could make use of it next week, Yzerman said "yes" twice. The 2002 Olympic gold medallist was also executive director of the victorious 2010 squad. He says even a couple of practices could lay important groundwork for the Winter Games in February. "We have such a limited amount of time to prepare," said Yzerman, the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "I think well have two, maybe three, practices in Sochi prior to the Olympics. "The summer camp, and its only a few days and six months in advance, but its a little time for the players and coaches to get on the ice and kind of run through some of the systems, the way theyll play, the power play, penalty killing, neutral zone and things like that. "At least youll have an idea way ahead of time as to how were going to play. That, to me, was the most important part of going on the ice in August for a few days." Strategy can still be communicated without skating, Yzerman adds. Head coach Mike Babcock and assistants Lindy Ruff, Claude Julien and Ken Hitchcock will have a video session with the players in Calgary. "Im sure well go over different stuff," says Pittsburgh Penguins forward and camp invitee James Neal. "Its a lot tougher when youre not on the ice, but were going there for a reason and Im sure it will help us," Its also crucial players get face time with the coaches, support staff and each other, Yzerman says. "The more time they can spend together, the more comfortable theyll be when they get to Sochi and thats a big part of it, particularly for the young players that havent been to NHL all-star games, havent been to Olympic camps before," Yzerman says. "Theyll walk into the (dressing) room and have spent time with Sidney Crosby before, theyve spent time with some of these veteran guys and theyll be much more comfortable around them." He says players will have time to golf, fish and go for dinner together, as well as work out while theyre in Calgary. NHL training camps start earlier this season because the league breaks Feb. 9-26 for the Winter Games. ' ' '

Spieths stroke and direction were toward

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals have activated shortstop Aledmys Diaz before Sundays game against Milwaukee.Diaz had been on the disabled with a right thumb fracture.On Saturday, Diaz finished his rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield, starting in Game 4 of the Texas League playoffs. He went 0 for 5 in the Cardinals 10-inning loss to Northwest Arkansas.Diaz has been out since he broke his right thumb when he was hit by a pitch from the Marlins Andrew Cashner on July 31.At the time of the injury, he was hitting a team-leading .312 with 14 homers and 57 RBI in 96 games, earning a trip to the All-Star Game and making himself one of the leading candidates for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Wayne Chrebet Womens Jersey ., for the next three years with the signings on Monday of Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter. Curtis Martin Youth Jersey . Their experience showed Tuesday as the No. 10 Badgers blunted a Saint Louis surge to win 63-57 and advance to face West Virginia in Wednesdays finals of the Cancun Challenge. http://www.authenticnyjetspro.com/Robby-anderson-jets-jersey/ . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Trevon Wesco Youth Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. Keyshawn Johnson Jersey . -- About a third of the way through the regular season, the Washington Wizards are at . PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell got exactly the kind of performance he insists on from his reserves.Ive never been a starter guy, Pikiell said after Rutgers defeated Niagara 78-65 on Sunday in the Scarlet Knight Showcase. I like the finishers. Thats important to me. The way I coach, you gotta be ready.Nigel Johnson led the reserves, equaling a career high with 20 points in helping Rutgers go 4-0 for the first time since the 2000-01 season. The Knights bench outscored Niagara 42-3.Other non-starter contributors were Mike Williams (12 points), CJ Gettys (eight points and eight rebounds), Eugene Omoruyi (six points, four rebounds and two assists) and Candido Sanders (four blocks).With Rutgers trailing 42-41, Johnson hit a 3-pointer with 14:32 remaining for the third and final lead change. The Knights scored 16 straight for a 57-42 lead, and opened their biggest advantage at 70-51.After we went on that run we created a little distance in our lead, Johnson said. I felt like we did a good job closing the game and that was what we were focused on.Matt Scott had 30 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Purple Eagles, who are 0-4 for the first time since starting with six straight losses in the 1989-90 season. Kahlil Dukes had 12 points and Marvin Prochet 11.If youre around (Scott) every day, you just watch how hes blossoming, Niagara coach Chris Casey said. Its fun to watch. Hes blossoming as a player, as a person, as a student. His work ethic is off the charts.BIG PICTURENiagara: The Purple Eagles held a 65-44 advantage in bench points in the first three games. The Eagles blocked nine shots, which equaled their combined total in the first three games.Rutgers: Pikiell became the first Scarlet Knights mens ccoach to begin his tenure 4-0 and Rutgers defense has been a major reason.dddddddddddd Rutgers has allowed an average of 61.7 points per game and opponents are shooting 36.3 percent (84 of 231) against the Knights. Rutgers blocked 11 Purple Eagles shots. Rutgers has won four straight for the first time since 2012-13 when it won five in a row in December.PURPLE POSITIVESCollins felt his young team did some things out of character during Rutgers decisive run, but was still happy with the way it continues to battle. I thought our guys competed extremely hard, I thought we did some very good things in the game, and weve got to use this to build on, move forward onto the next game.DOWNPLAYING STARTEntering Sundays game, the record of Rutgers first four opponents was a combined 2-9. To Pikiells credit, he is not getting carried away with his start. Asked the significance of 4-0, the coach said Nothing. We have to start working for the next game, these guys know we have a long week ahead of us.TECHNICALITIESThere were four technical fouls called, three on Rutgers with two of them on point guard Corey Sanders, who was ejected with 7:01 left.WELCOME TO NJThe Purple Hawks made their first appearance at Rutgers. Niagara won the only other meeting between the two, 73-61, on Dec. 18, 1969.UP NEXTNiagara: After three straight on the road, the Purple Eagles have their first home game since opening-night when they host Drexel on Wednesday.Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights host North Texas Wednesday and will attempt to start 5-0 for the first time since 2000-01, when they opened the season with six straight home games. ' ' '

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska overpowered Fresno State in the second half and won its opener in the easy fashion that was expected.The lasting memory of Saturday nights 43-10 win will be how everyone inside Memorial Stadium came together to remember the Cornhuskers fallen punter, Sam Foltz, who died in a July car crash.The Huskers draped Foltzs No. 27 jersey at the end of their bench, and after they went three-and-out on their first possession, they lined up with 10 players and no punter.The crowd stood and responded with loud cheers and applause as the play clock wound down, with Fresno States players joining them in the salute. When Nebraska was flagged for delay of game after the play clock expired, Fresno State declined the penalty.It was an incredible feeling, knowing how much he meant to the team and the community and all the fans out there, quarterback Tommy Armstrong said. It touched my heart a bit, just looking out there.Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter was told beforehand that the Huskers would line up without a punter, and he said there was no question that the penalty would be declined.If we cant teach our guys something classy like that, whats college for? he said.Armstrong Jr. ran for two touchdowns and threw a perfect deep ball to Alonzo Moore for another as Nebraska took control of the game and gave Mike Riley his 100th win as a college coach.The Huskers pounded away at the Bulldogs with runs on 51 of their 64 plays, and Devine Ozigbo ran for a career-high 103 yards and two touchdowns. The biggest of Armstrongs few passes came two plays after Kieron Williams first career interception, when Moore beat his man to catch in stride a 57-yard TD early in the fourth quarter.When we run it that well, we open up a lot for the receivers, Armstrong said. When we get a chance to throw it, we have to complete them.Fresno States Chason Virgil, who missed the last nine games in 2015 with a broken clavicle, completed his first five passes and 11 of his first 14. The Bulldogs got a scare when he banged up his left shoulder late in the first half after being driven out of bounds by linebacker Luke Gifford, who was ejected for targeting.Virgil returned to start the third quarter but didnt get much done the rest of the night against a Nebraska defense that got better as the game went on.I thought our guys went toe-to-toe with them for a pretty good bit, and then they broke our will in the fourth quarter, DeRuyter said.THE TAKEAWAYFresno State: The Bulldogs, coming off a 3-9 season, hung with Nebraska for a half and should be improved if they can keep Virgil healthy for new offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau. They capitalized on Robert Stanleys blocked punt and a couple Nebraska penalties, and that allowed them to keep it close until the third quarter. First-year defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward can take consolation in that its unlikely his unit will go against another opponent that runs the ball as well as Nebraska.Nebraska: The game plan was perfect against an opponent that ranked 117th against the run last year, and once Armstrong and the Huskers got going in the second half, they were nearly unstoppable. Nebraska, which finished with 292 yards on the ground, ran on 20 of its first 21 plays, and Riley made good on his plan to get Armstrong more carries.Ozigbo and Terrell Newby formed a strong 1-2 combination, and freshman Tre Bryant showed up well when he got his chances late in the game. All that was pleasing to Riley. What upset him were three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in addition to an ejection for targeting for a third straight game.There was some good football, when you rush for that many yards, but I have mixed emotions about this game, Riley said. Lots of things have to change.UP NEXT:Fresno State: The Bulldogs go from playing in one of the cathedrals of college football to hosting Sacramento State. DeRuyters Fresno teams have beaten Football Championship Subdivision opponents by an average of 26 points.Nebraska: The Huskers host Wyoming, coached by former Nebraska assistant Craig Bohl. This is no gimme. The last time the teams met, in 2013 in Lincoln, the Cowboys scored a couple late touchdowns and put a scare into the Huskers before losing 37-34. Ernie Stautner Steelers Jersey . But by the time the game started, the Toronto Raptors forward felt even worse. And, for three quarters, it showed as Gay shot a woeful three-for-13 from the field. Custom Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys . -- Tony Stewart is 20 pounds lighter and has a titanium rod in his surgically repaired right leg. http://www.steelersrookiestore.com/Steelers-Mel-Blount-Jersey/ . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Donnie Shell Steelers Jersey . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season. Merril Hoge Steelers Jersey .C. -- Todd Fiddler scored a hat trick, including the overtime goal, as the Prince George Cougars survived an 8-7 win against the Kamloops Blazers in Western Hockey League play Sunday.TORONTO -- Montreal welterweight Patrick (The Predator) Cote will coach a Canadian team of fighters against an Australian squad on "The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia." Its the latest spinoff of the UFCs reality TV show. There has already been a season featuring United Kingdom and Australian fighters. Kyle Noke (20-6-1) will coach the Australian team. The season will feature welterweights. Cote (20-8) is a graduate of the TV show having reached the final of Season 4 -- "The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback" -- in 2006. Cote went on to win five straight in the UFC and earn a title shot against middleweight champion Anderson Silva.dddddddddddd Noke, a native of Dubbo, New South Wales, was featured on Season 11 of the show, reaching the quarter-finals as a member of Chuck (The Iceman) Liddells team. He has gone 4-2 in the UFC since. Tryouts for the Canada-Australia show will begin in September, first in Sydney and then in Toronto. The show is expected to debut in early 2014. "The Ultimate Fighter" has gone through 17 seasons already, with several versions in Brazil as well. ' ' '

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - The St. Louis Blues and forward Magnus Paajarvi agreed to a two-year contract on Friday. Paajarvi, who was a restricted free agent, was acquired in a trade from Edmonton in exchange for forward David Perron on July 10. He recorded nine goals and 16 points in 42 games with the Oilers last season. Selected 10th overall by Edmonton in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the 22-year-old Paajarvi has registered 26 goals and 58 points in 163 career games. Marcus Stroman Blue Jays Jersey .5 million, one-year contract on Friday. Hawkins, who turns 41 in December, will compete with Rex Brothers for the closers role at spring training. Billy McKinney Blue Jays Jersey . As he recorded his 23rd and 24th points of the evening, a segment of the sellout Air Canada Centre crowd expressed their appreciation for the Raptors point guard with a smattering of MVP chants. http://www.bluejaysonline.com/blue-jays-clayton-richard-jersey/ . By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team Friday. Dalton Pompey Blue Jays Jersey . Varlamov made 33 saves and Ryan OReilly had a goal and scored in the shootout as the Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Thursday night. Freddy Galvis Blue Jays Jersey . On Tuesday, Ottawa placed forward Cory Conacher and defenceman Joe Corvo on waivers as trade rumours swirl around the Senators. The San Jose Sharks are one of the NHLs better teams this season when playing at home. However, they experienced issues in recent years when the Calgary Flames came to northern California.Prior to the leagues Christmas break, San Jose begins a two-game homestand Tuesday night against Calgary, which features surging special teams play and two players trying to increase lengthy scoring streaks, Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau.The Sharks (19-12-1) are looking for their seventh win in nine games at SAP Center, but they are just 1-3-2 over their past six home games against Calgary with three of the losses coming by one goal, including one defeat in overtime and one in a shootout.San Jose, 10-4-0 at home this season, returns from a successful road trip that ended on a down note. After posting wins over three eastern Canadian teams, the Sharks surrendered three third-period goals Sunday in a 4-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.Its a nice stretch, for sure, but you get the three (wins) ... you want the four, the Sharks Joe Pavelski told the leagues official website. This was the game we were worried about and wanted to win.The Tuesday contest will be the 1,400th in the NHL for the Sharks Joe Thornton. The top overall pick by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 NHL Draft will be the 37th player to reach that mark, the third to do so in a Sharks uniform, joining current teammate Patrick Marleau and Teemu Selanne.At 37 years old, Thornton isnt slowing down. He leads the Sharks with 18 assists and is tied with Logan Couture for third with 20 points.I feel good, Thornton told the San Jose Mercury News. I try to get better as the months go on so I kind of peak at the end of the year. Thats my goal again this year. I think (my training) allows me to do that, and its been effective in the past and hopefully for years to come.On Nov. 3, Thornton drew an assist against the Flames, but San Jose dropped a 3-2 decision at home. That was the 30th assist and 37th point in his career against Calgary. Jumbo Joe is 25th on all-time scoring list with 1,361 points, needing nine more to move past John Bucyk.ddddddddddddBrent Burns, the Sharks leading scorer (13 goals, 17 assists), comes in with five goals with five assists in an eight-game points streak. Burns also has assists in four straight home games, and he needs one more to reach 300 for his career.In his past four games versus the Flames, Burns has three goals and four assists.After giving up a total of 10 goals in back-to-back losses, Calgary (17-15-2) scored three times in the third period Monday and finished with three power-play goals in a 4-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes.Thats one piece of the puzzle in this league is the specialty teams game, and you can see what happens when you win it, Flames coach Glen Gulutzan said.Monahan and Gaudreau each recorded an assist in the Flames third straight road win.Monahan, now in his fourth season, is on the longest point streak of his career, having tallied five goals with seven assists in 10 games. Thats a huge turnaround from the five goals and three assists he recorded in his first 24 games.Gaudreau is playing his best hockey since coming back Dec. 4 after a 10-game absence caused by a broken finger. Gaudreau has recorded at least a point in seven straight games, totaling two goals and nine assists.Neither player, though, has fared particularly well on the road against the Sharks.Monahan, the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft, has three goals and two assists in eight career games vs. San Jose, while Gaudreau has just three assists in six such games.The Flames also will try to keep a red-hot power-play unit going. Over the past eight games, Calgary has converted 39.4 percent of its chances (13 for 33) with the man advantage.To get those power-play goals, obviously you generate momentum from that as well, Monahan said.Calgary is 2-2-2 in the second games when playing back to back. ' ' '

TORONTO -- Top-ranked Novak Djokovic beat 10th-seeded Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday night to reach the Rogers Cup final and improve to 12-0 against the Frenchman.You do have a certain mental comfort knowing that you have had plenty of success against your opponent, Djokovic said. Nevertheless, that is not a certainty. Thats not a guarantee that you can win the match. Actually, it actually makes him more eager to come out and play his best tennis.The winner in 2007, 2011 and 2012 in the hardcourt event that rotates between Toronto and Montreal, Djokovic will face third-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan on Sunday. Nishikori beat second-seeded Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland 7-6 (6), 6-1 in the first semifinal.Djokovic is trying to win a record 30th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title. The 29-year-old Serb has six victories this year and 65 in his career. He has 12 Grand Slam titles, winning this year in Australia and France.Monfils was coming off a victory last week in Washington.I guess he missed a few shots at the beginning. I got some opportunities and I took them, Monfils said. And then suddenly he was not missing anymore. He was going for his shots and being much better in the rallies. He became super solid. When Novak is playing like that, its very tough to beat him.Djokovic had six double-faults and one ace.Ive been working on my serve a lot the last couple of years, and I think especially on the second serve it has gave me an advantage, more depth on the second serve and so forth, Djokovic said. In this tournament it is not working very well, but in general in past couple of years it has served me very well.Nishikori took his fourth straight Memphis title in February for his 11th ATP Tour victory. He has lost his last eight matches with Djokovic, the last loss in the Key Biscayne final in April, and is 2-9 overall.Havent beat Novak for a long time on hard court, Nishikori said. I think its going to be a great challenge for me to play Novak again in the final, because we played in Miami and he dominated the game. So, I hope I can get revenge this time.In the doubles semifinals, Britains Jamie Murray and Brazils Bruno Soares beat Canadas Daniel Nestor and Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 6-7 (5), 10-7, and Croatias Ivan Dodig and Brazils Marcelo Melo topped Romanias Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau 6-4, 6-3. Nick Van Exel Jersey .Y. -- Bills receiver Stevie Johnson has a bone to pick with the NFL schedule maker. Byron Scott Lakers Jersey . He was followed closely by David Clarkson, donning red, seconds later. Clarksons actions one night earlier, leaping off the bench in defence of Kessel during a pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres, will cost him the first 10 games of the regular season. http://www.lakersteamofficial.com/Vlade-Divac-Lakers-Jersey/ . -- Patrick Reed got an early start in golf. Lance Stephenson Jersey . JOHNS, N. Anthony Davis Jersey . He says so-called TRT is only one problem and he wants to go even further than the ban. "Its about time," St-Pierre told reporters at a promotional event in Montreal on Friday. "I think its a good thing. The UFC announced that it had been sold for $4 billion earlier this month, changing hands from previous owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta to entertainment empire WME-IMG and a group of investors.When asked to describe his reaction to the sale, which is the largest financial transaction in sports history, one current UFC athlete said, At first, it was just one big blank.After an initial shock, many fighters said they immediately began wondering, What does this mean for me? What does it mean for the landscape of mixed martial arts?ESPN.com has spent the last week talking to various fighters and managers on those topics. The short answer is no one knows exactly what will change with this sale. Many of the conversations, however, seemed to center around certain points.There is a genuine well done feeling toward former parent company Zuffa and the Fertitta brothers, who purchased the UFC for $2 million in 2001, along with an acknowledgment of the positive effect they and UFC president Dana White have had on the sport. Cashing out to the tune of $4 billion? Good for them.At the same time, there is a genuine hope that this sale, whether directly or indirectly, will greatly improve financial aspects for the athletes.For starters, new ownership presumably has a plan for a return on its $4 billion investment, and more revenue streams flowing into the company is a good thing for everyone, fighters included.Theres also the hope of a more equal revenue share between ownership and athletes. The UFCs financial information is private, so official data on revenue splits is unavailable. Most within the sport, however, estimate athletes receive a percentage well below that of other professional sports. Athletes would like to see more benefits, including retirement packages, health care and less restrictive contracts that allow them to build their own brand.The possibility of a fighters union or association came up repeatedly during discussions about the sale.Below are direct quotes from a handful of fighters and managers on these topics. Many of those who spoke to ESPN.com were willing to be on record, but others preferred to remain anonymous. For the purpose of this story, the decision was made to keep all statements anonymous.This is a relatively small sample size, considering the number of active fighters in the UFC, but efforts were made to speak to a wide range of athletes in terms of age, value of previous fight purses, weight class, etc.ManagerGood for [Zuffa] at the end of the day. I think it just shows how healthy this sport is. Its now time to raise the bar for the athletes.Theres a huge gap in fighter pay between the haves and have nots. There is still this unknown way of negotiating. In the NFL, NBA, MLB -- there is so much visibility on information. You know going into a negotiation that there is a range to your value, and even then, those negotiations can take months. With fighters, a lot of times, its a fire sale. A big fight has been offered that is only two weeks away and now theres pressure to do a deal.A lot of fighters dont necessarily understand things on a real sophisticated level -- not because they cant, thats just not where theyre spending their time. But Im assuming a lot of them are reacting to $4 billion like, Why the hell am I only being paid this? I would dare to say the entire roster is a pissed-off motivated right now. I would guess youll see a lot more holdouts and a lot more free agency testing because this sale shows how healthy the business is.Things are already changing. The last few years, the UFC has probably experienced more than they ever have in the way of an FTC investigation, an antitrust lawsuit against them, athletes pushing the envelope -- it has changed, you know? And I think Lorenzo was like, S---, Im out.Fighter (more than five years with UFC, has fought for title)I am cautiously optimistic about what this means for fighters. I feel like their opinion and their attitude toward fighters so far is that we need the UFC more than the UFC needs us. Were expendable. There are 1,000 other guys ready to line up and fight, which is true, but its kind of a s--- place to be.I make a good living doing what I do. Ive been one of the more fortunate, but I feel fighters should be more secure. A lot of these guys are paycheck to paycheck, fight to fight. We pay coaches, managers, taxes -- were taking all the physical risk and only pocketing half our money. When you see a fight purse, 50 percent of that is going elsewhere. We are going to be living with long-term ramifications of competing in a combat sport, and it would be nice to have some security, maybe a monthly stipend for training.Were technically independent contractors, but were subject to things like the new Reebok deal, where we have to wear something required. We have limited health care, but we dont have health care for our families. We have no retirement. It would be awesome to be getting even a fraction of what other pro athletes are getting paid. These new owners might be able to expand the brand and get more opportunities to continue taking MMA mainstream. Im cautiously optimistic that could include some of the these things.I think if fighters organized we would definitely have a lot more leverage. I dont know what thats going to look like with regards to the new ownership. I know the Fertittas have been fighting unions in their casino business for years, thats fairly well known. With them out of the picture, Im wondering if it would be easier for us to organize. But if there were something like a fighter strike, theres a lot of ifs involved. Were in a tough position. The UFC keeps the top guys happy, and those are the key figures youre going to need in order to have any leverage. Without them, you dont have s---.ManagerSomebody just spent $4 billion. So, if you expect them to come in and say, We just spent $4 billion based on the numbers these guys have had on the books, now the first thing were going to do is raise the numbers for our athletes and dwindle our profits? The chances of that happening are slim to none, but I think its something that can happen over time. The new ownership needs to come in and create more income streams. When they do that, there will be more money for everyone, including the fighters.Im assuming all contract negotiations go through Dana White now. Whatever deals [UFC matchmakers] Joe Silva and Sean Shelby dont do, those will go through Dana. I doubt these new guys would get involved with something they dont really know yet. I dont know if you can call [WME head] Ari Emanuel and have him negotiate an MMA deal tomorrow.In the past, the negotiating process was different for each athlete. Some guys get on better with Dana, others got on better with Lorenzo. Now that Lorenzo is stepping down, you would hope theres some sort of balance added to Dana. In other words, Im hoping that whoever comes in will be a good balance with Dana. If theres a fighter Dana isnt high on, is there a CEO or someone else who would understand that and say, I should handle this one.I think there would be more worry if Dana wasnt staying on, if these guys were selling and walking away completely. But I also only believe Dana White wiill stay for a transitional period.dddddddddddd I dont think hes going to be with the company for a long time. Its hard to wake up every day and listen to somebody new when you have $400 million in the bank.Fighter (less than five years with UFC)Im very lucky in that Im a younger guy. There are people who have paved the way for me through blood, sweat and tears. Ive been hearing athletes say, Were going to get that professional athlete money now. Lets be honest, were not near that yet.The former owners were so invested in it because its something they created. It was theirs. In many ways, they believed, right or wrong, the UFC was their brand so they should be making 70 percent of the profits or whatever it was. This company taking over maybe doesnt have that same emotion. Maybe theyll look at it as, It will help our product if our athletes make X amount of money, because now they can focus more on it. Theres another punch to this, and thats the next generation. Soccer moms taking their kids to soccer, maybe that turns into MMA. If youre looking at it through the perspective of the parents, if theres a future in MMA, maybe theyll push them in that direction.The sport is only 20 years old. Everything is relative to time. You look at hockey or football, whatever, there were times when, yeah, those guys were professional athletes, but they still had day jobs. In boxing, you have all this history behind it, the Muhammad Ali Act, the systems that are now in place, thats all part of the culture. This sport doesnt have that yet. This, like any other sport in many ways, is an opportunity for rich men to -- whats the word Im looking for? -- were chess pieces for billionaires to take on other billionaires.But I think its great to have a Hollywood agency in charge moving forward. With Bellator MMA, you have Viacom behind them and everything they do on the television side. Thats part of some of the contracts Bellator has written, that you can have a television show built around you. I look at myself and see the free agency as a huge positive right now, with the sides that are involved.Fighter (more than five years with UFC, has fought for title)I feel like what MMA will become some day and how fighters will be treated, I probably wont feel that during my years in the sport. Thats something Ive accepted. Im getting the most out of it while I can.The genius part of what the UFC did is they were able to write all these different responsibilities into the same contract. And they can provide additional opportunities or take them away. No matter how good you are at one thing, they can pull you off in a second and replace you with someone else. Were all just spokes on a wheel. The UFC was able to sell for $4 billion because they were able to create a situation where, as athletes, were promoting the business. We dont promote ourselves as individual athletes without promoting the overall business of the UFC.What do I do to change that? You tell me. Im a spoke on a wheel and Ive accepted that. What if the UFC were to tell me, Well take every fight youve ever had and well hold it. Well stop showing it. Every fight youve had with us does not exist now. Well cut your contract. Thats it. I dont exist now. Its not that they would do that or have ever threatened to do that, but I understand the realness of the situation. I think being sold for this amount of money is a step in the right direction. Is a fighters union something we all might need? Possibly, yes. But Im looking at it realistically and saying that during my career, I dont see it happening. I will have helped the company out more than my own brand. I need the UFC platform to grow, so Im going to continue helping it grow. I like having a job. I need this job. Im a blue-collar individual. Im not rich. When youve worked as long as I have, you learn how to be happy with what you get when you get it.Fighter (more than five years with UFC, has fought for title)?If I had 50 cents for every action figure I signed, Id be a millionaire. The UFC tells me to sign autographs, and I dont see any money from that. I turn on a UFC video game and see myself on there, and Im asking, When did I sign a contract that let people put me in a video game without paying me for it? How am I allowed to sign that contract? I dont know if that will change or not with the new owners. These are guys are smart, powerful people. I hope so.Fighter (more than five years with UFC)Fighters, a lot of times, are uneducated. Theyre happy to get their $20,000 scraps and say, Whatever, man, Im just happy to work. The idea of a union is tough, because you have a few guys who can afford to say, I dont have to fight for a year. Then youve got a whole bigger group of guys who say, F--- that, Ive got to fight.What is this going to turn into? What does the sale have to do with it? I think it has lit a fire under peoples ass. Youre going to have to take one of the biggest champions, one of the brightest stars, to go to a press conference and drop the ball and say, F--- everybody, this is what Im doing. Thats what it would take. Who in their right mind would do that? Its really risky, to say, Im going to turn down $10 million to fight on pay-per-view but Im going to put my name in history forever to start this thing. That, in my mind, is what has to happen.ManagerI think Lorenzo especially saw there were other avenues for other interests he wants to pursue, and it was his time to move forward. We dont know what Danas role is going to be. He can say nothing has changed, but in the corporate world you understand how it works. People dont put money into something to not have control.When this new ownership takes over, I hope theres a window of opportunity for a collaboration between fighters, managers and agents to change some of the things that are very controlling in their contracts. They are very limiting. And I think some of the UFCs growth has been stymied by the leash that has been put on the fighters. I do think this opens a big door for a fighters union, because I think there is a lot of interest now in whats being done in this sport. I think it has to change. WME understands the acting and sports world. The athletes they represent in other sports have associations to back them. Actors have the Screen Actors Guild. I just dont see how that is not pursued in this sport within the next couple years.Fighter (more than five years with UFC, has fought for title)I think its good. I know that WME was a big part of the UFCs success and Ronda Rouseys success because they represented her. Now its going to be interesting because there are going to be two sides of this thing. Theyre going to try to build fighters as big as possible, which they have the means to do that with access to so much media, but then theyre also, as the owner, going to try to keep the fighter pay to a minimum.So I think its going to be a good thing overall. The bigger a person gets, the more notoriety and clout they get, the more they can demand. I think all in all, having this entertainment group behind us is going to be a good thing. ' ' '

Alex Lees, Yorkshires one-day captain, has issued an apology to umpire Martin Saggers following angry comments made to the media after defeat against Nottinghamshire in the NatWest Blast at Trent Bridge on Friday.Yorkshire have subsequently handed Lees a two-match suspension, suspended for 12 months. The suspension is liable to be activated under the ECB Cricket Discipline Commission should Lees breach any ECB Directive within the 12-month period.Lees, in his first season as captain, was furious when Saggers called no ball for a fielding irregularity, namely that Yorkshire had one too many players outside the circle. Greg Smith hit a four from the free hit before Christian swung through the last ball of the over - the extra one in Leess eyes - to score six.Its boiled down to a terrible decision by the umpire, Lees complained after the match. I dont know how, from 40 yards away, you can tell if someone is in or out of the ring, and its cost us 12 runs.It was a chastened Lees who responded to Yorkshires punishment by saying, in a prepared club statement: I regret comments made following Friday nights game and I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to Martin. These comments are uncharacteristic and were made in the heat of the moment.I understand the seriousness of the offence and regret these actions. I am now keen to put this incident behind me and concentrate on the important games coming up at Headingley this week.Chairman of the ECBs Cricket Discipline Commission, Gerard Elias QC, stated: I am grateful to Yorkshire County Cricket Club for taking such prompt and decisive action in this matter. It is an excellent example of a County recognising the standard of conduct that is required by its players and taking measures which clearly demonstrate that anything below that standard will not be accepted. Danny Rose England Jersey . The Americans, skipped by John Shuster, seized the advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7-3 lead. The Czechs pulled two back in the ninth, but Shusters team of third Jeff Isaacson, second Jared Zezel and lead John Landsteiner ended with another point to secure the last Olympic berth on offer. Jamie Vardy Jersey . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. http://www.englandsoccerpro.com/Phil-Jones-England-Jersey/ . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain. Kyle Walker England Jersey . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Fabian Delph England Jersey . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro has elected to drop his appeal of a four-game suspension, forcing New Orleans to spend the rest of the regular season without one of its best defensive players.Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed the news Friday, saying that Vaccaro wont play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The NFL also released a statement, saying Vaccaro would be eligible to return to the team Jan. 2 after the Saints New Years Day game against the?Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans last regular-season game.ESPN and other outlets previously reported that Vaccaro was facing a possible four-game suspension for testing positive for the stimulant Adderall, but he was awaiting the results of a B sample.Losing Vaccaro is a big blow to a Saints team that is already in a dire situation at 5-7. Vaccaro has been playing some of the best football of his career this year and has been one of the most valuable players on New Orleans defense.The 6-foot, 214-pounder plays a versatile role for the Saints, who make heavy use of three-safety packages.dddddddddddd He plays anywhere from the traditional strong safety spot to nickel cornerback to linebacker at times.Vaccaro ranks second on the team with 67 tackles. He has two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one sack, eight quarterback hits, five pass defenses and five tackles for loss.Veteran Roman Harper is a likely replacement at strong safety and could join Jairus Byrd and Vonn Bell in three-safety packages. Harper was a full-time starter for 10 years before taking a minor role with the Saints this year.Also Friday, the Saints placed tight end Josh Hill on injured reserve with a broken fibula and signed linebacker Travis Feeney off the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. ' ' '

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Virginia fans looking for assurances that they could still have high expectations despite the dismissal from the team of expected offensive stalwart Austin Nichols got plenty to feel good about Sunday in the No. 8 Cavaliers 62-38 victory against Yale.Marial Shayok scored 15 points, freshman Kyle Guy had 12 and Darius Thompson 11 in a balanced offensive display that complemented a Virginia staple: defense. The Cavaliers (3-0) held Yale scoreless for a stretch of nearly nine minutes in the second half, making it look easy.To be able to have them coming off the bench for us is huge, senior London Perrantes said of Shayok and Guy, who scored all but two points in a 16-0 run that turned a 37-33 lead into a runaway.Guy, former Mr. Basketball in Indiana, scored eight in the blitz, hitting a pair of catch-and-shoot 3-pointers that drew roars.It was surreal when the crowd erupted after we hit a shot or got a stop, he said.Blake Reynolds led Yale (2-1) with 10 points. The Bulldogs arrived averaging 93.5 points, had an early 8-0 burst and then never found any rhythm again. They made only 16 of 48 field goal tries (33 percent).Virginia had a lot to do with that. The Cavaliers had scoring runs of 22-0 in their opener against UNCG and 20-0 against St. Francis Brooklyn, and nearly matched that after Shayok scored off a feed from Perrantes to make it 39-33 and start the run with 15 minutes left.And while pulling away on offense, they never lost sight of their need to attend to the defensive side.They did a great job limited opportunities tonight, Bulldogs coach James Jones said.BIG PICTUREYale: The Bulldogs, who won their first NCAA Tournament game last season, will win plenty because they can score. They arrived at John Paul Jones Arena with five players averaging 12 points or better, including Downey (19.5 after averaging 5.7 last year) and Copeland (17 after averaging 2.3 last year). They also had 41 assists and just 17 turnovers coming in, but finished with 14 miscues and seven assists.Averaging 94 points a game, thats not us, Jones said.Virginia: The Cavaliers were somewhat stagnant early on offensively, which probably was to be expected after Nichols was kicked off the team on Friday for an unspecified violation of team rules . Nichols was with the team all last season as a transfer and much of the offense was expected to be inside-out. The adjustment may take several games, making a game against Iowa on Friday night loom as a stiffer test.That was something we thought we had, and now we dont, Bennett said of Nichols offense. We just have to adjust.WHERED THEY GO?Downey finished with just four points on 2-for-10 shooting, and Miye Oni, averaging 18.5 coming in, had three on 1-for-8 shooting.BLOCK PARTYRedshirt freshman is another Cavaliers player that will look to pick up the slack left by Nichols absence, and he is already becoming a fan favorite for his shot-blocking ability and incredible athleticism, which Perrantes compared to former Virginia star Justin Anderson, now making highlight reel plays for the NBAs Dallas Mavericks. Diakite had four blocks against the Bulldogs, giving him five in two games.STRUGGLING HALLDevon Hall has started all three games for Virginia as an off-guard, and off also has described his shot thus far.Through three games, hes just 3-for-14 from the field, including 1-for-6 from 3-point territory.UP NEXTThe Bulldogs stay on the road, and against ACC competition, as they play at Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.The Cavaliers face Grambling State in the second round of the Emerald Coast Classic before moving to Florida for Round 3 against Iowa.---More AP college basketball: http://collegebasketball.ap.org---Follow Hank on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hankkurzjr Mohamed Salah Liverpool Jersey . After the whistle, Thornton skated the length of the ice, pulled Orpik to the ice from behind and punched him in the face several times. Rhian Brewster Liverpool Jersey . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. http://www.liverpoolgear.us/Authentic-Pedro-Chirivella-Liverpool-Jersey/ . Now that hes hitting streaking teammates with pin-point passes for easy layups, Love is asserting himself as one of the true superstars in the league. Joel Matip Jersey . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. Adam Lallana Jersey . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. GENEVA -- A two-time Wimbledon singles champion, two Tour de France winners and an Olympic discus gold medalist had the same response Thursday to the latest leak by hackers of confidential medical information: sarcasm.Petra Kvitova, Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Robert Harting -- all Rio de Janeiro Olympians last month -- reacted with shrugs to the leak from the World Anti-Doping Agency database.The four athletes said their use of approved medications was already widely reported or they welcomed the openness resulting from an alleged Russian-led cyberattack that WADA believes is revenge for investigations into a state-backed doping program in Russia.To say that Petra Kvitova suffers from asthma and uses medication for treatment is the same revelation as saying shes won Wimbledon, a spokesman for the Czech tennis player, Karel Tejkal, said.German discus thrower Robert Harting, the 2012 Olympic champion, wrote on Twitter that We dont hide anything. go transparency!Ive openly discussed my TUEs (therapeutic use exemptions) with the media and have no issues with the leak which confirms my statements, three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome said.Kvitova, Harting and Froome were headline names among 25 athletes from eight countries -- including 10 from the United States -- whose confidential details of using authorized medications spilled into the public domain late Wednesday.All three competed at the Rio Olympics where Kvitova and Froome won bronze medals.Also leaked was detail of asthma medication used by Wiggins, another British winner of the Tour de France and winner of a fifth career Olympic gold in Rio.Theres nothing new here, a statement issued on behalf of Wiggins said. Everyone knows Brad suffers from asthma; his medical treatment is BC (British Cycling) and UCI (International Cycling Union) approved.WADA confirmed a second round of leaked data posted online, after medical records of gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams were among four American female Olympians whose data was revealed Tuesday.All 29 cases revealed records of Therapeutic Use Exemptions which allow athletes to use otherwise-banned substances because of a verified medical need. There is no suggestion any of the athletes broke any rules.The substances identified in the leaks are typically anti-inflammatory medications and treatments for asthma and allergies.Froomes use of strong anti-inflammatory medication, approved by the UCI for the 2014 Tour de Romandie race in Switzerland, was widely reported two years ago.In nine years as a professional Ive twice required a TUE for exacerbated asthma, the last time was in 2014, said Froome, who won his third Tour de France title in July. He took a bronze medal in the time trial at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics last month.The latest round of leaks identified 10 American athletes, five from Germany, five from Britain, and one each from Czech Republic, Denmark, Poland, Romaania and Russia.ddddddddddddI am furious that the hacking group is using such insolent and illegal methods, said Michael Ask, head of Anti-Doping Denmark.Danish swimmer Pernille Blume, who won gold in Rio de Janeiro in the 50-meter freestyle, had done nothing wrong, Ask told Denmark TV2 channel. She has followed the rules and gotten permission to use the asthma medication which she uses -- like many other athletes.Harting was revealed to have permission to use medications during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he finished fourth.The statement on behalf of Wiggins said the leak was an attempt to undermine the credibility of WADA and thats something for them to deal with.WADA said Wednesday that the Russian hacking group known as Fancy Bears had illegally gained access to its Anti-Doping Administration and Management System, or ADAMS, and said it included confidential medical data.To those athletes that have been impacted, we regret that criminals have attempted to smear your reputations in this way; and, assure you that we are receiving intelligence and advice from the highest level law enforcement and IT security agencies that we are putting into action, WADA director general Olivier Niggli said in a statement.Niggli said WADA had no doubt that these ongoing attacks are being carried out in retaliation against the agency, and the global anti-doping system, because of independent investigations that exposed state-sponsored doping in Russia.Russian officials have dismissed the claims as ridiculous.How can you prove that the hackers are Russian? Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said through a translator during a visit to Athens on Wednesday. You blame Russia for everything. It is very `in now.Last month, hackers obtained a database password for Russian runner Yuliya Stepanova, a whistleblower and key witness for the WADA investigations. She and her husband, a former official with the Russian national anti-doping agency, are now living at an undisclosed location in North America.The International Olympic Committee said after Tuesdays WADA statement that it strongly condemns such methods which clearly aim at tarnishing the reputation of clean athletes.The hackers, who have set up their own website, have not responded to messages seeking comment. Their chosen name, Fancy Bears, appears to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to a collection of Russia-linked hackers that security researchers have blamed for a recent spate of attacks -- and which WADA holds responsible for the current breach.The group has proclaimed its allegiance to Anonymous, the loose-knit movement of online mischief-makers, and says it hacked WADA to show the world how Olympic medals are won.Well keep on telling the world about doping in elite sports, the group said Thursday. Stay tuned for new leaks. ' ' '

MONACO -- Unbeaten Khabib Allakhverdiev held on to his WBA and IBO light welterweight titles when the referee finally stepped in to save former champion Souleymane Mbaye in the 11th round in Monte Carlo on Saturday. Allakhverdiev dropped Mbaye in the second and eighth rounds. The assault never let up and referee Luis Pabon ended Mbayes punishment 2:27 into the 11th. Allakhverdiev won his first defence of the WBA title he won against Joan Guzman last November with another stoppage. The Russian improved to 19-0 with nine knockouts. Mbaye, the Frenchman who held the WBA belt in 2006-07, dropped to 40-5-1. Frederik Andersen Maple Leafs Jersey . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. Johnny Bower Maple Leafs Jersey . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. http://www.mapleleafsteamstoreonline.com/authentic-garret-sparks-maple-leafs-jersey/ . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., has nothing but good things to say about former U.S. marine Liz (Girlrilla) Carmouche ahead of their co-main event Wednesday on the UFCs "Fight for the Troops" televised card in Fort Campbell, Ky. Andreas Johnsson Jersey . With his new coach and six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker watching him during an official match for the first time, Djokovic appeared tentative early against the Slovakian player, who often appeared content to keep the ball in play. Lanny McDonald Jersey . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. New York racing, much like the city itself, never sleeps. As soon as Belmont closes its doors for the winter, Aqueduct opens its gates, picking up right where Belmont Park left off. Known as The Big A, Aqueduct completes NYRAs trio of racetracks and is the only one that can be operated during New Yorks unforgiving winters.I first visited Aqueduct just before Christmas last year. I was just starting to frequent live racing and hadnt been to any racetrack since the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont two months earlier. When I entered the grandstand it was clear that Aqueduct is quite different from its sister tracks, but I was immediately charmed by its quirks. From then on, Ive always had a special place in my heart for Aqueduct. Heres five reasons why you should love it too:1. The RacesAqueduct has one long race calendar, broken up into seasonal meets, that begins in early November and ends in early May. The calendars early highlights include the Grade 1 Cigar Mile and Grade 2 Remsen Stakes over Thanksgiving weekend, and the marquee events conclude with the Grade 1 Wood Memorial in April, which is a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.While many of the summer birds and their equine charges choose to winter at Floridas Gulfstream Park, quality stakes races sprinkled throughout the Aqueduct meet during winter keep a great group of horses and trainers up north.2. The TrackThe reason Aqueduct is able to hold winter racing is that it features an inner dirt track with a special, winterized surface. I also love the paddock, which is large and sunken into the ground, providing an interesting view of the horses and their connections below. Since Aqueduct lacks a backyard area, everything is on the same side of the grandstand.Every time Ive been to Aqueduct theres been a sizeable crowd, but its still easy to navigate the apron and grandstand areas. Most recently I attended this years Cigar Mile, which ran under a gorgeous pink sunset. Definitely one of the best days Ive had at Aqueduct so far.3. The HistoryWhile the connection between horse and track is not as storied as Saratogas, the likeness of Secretariat painted prominently on the side of Aqueducts grandstannd is no coincidence.dddddddddddd Big Red took his last steps on a racetrack in front of a crowd at Aqueduct in 1973 before being retired to Claiborne Farm.Cigar, a champion I was fortunate enough to meet at the Kentucky Horse Park before he passed away in 2014, began his 16-race win streak with victories in an allowance race and the NYRA Mile (now the Cigar Mile) at Aqueduct in 1994. The track also hosted the second-ever Breeders Cup in 1985.Aqueduct is proud of its champions, with photos of past Cigar Mile, Wood Memorial and Remsen winners gracing almost every wall.4. The CasinoIm not a gambler myself, but if you enjoy casinos Aqueduct is definitely for you. Resorts World Casino is large and new and boasts a wide array of slot machines, game tables and even a few restaurants. It was also New York Citys first legal casino.5. The PeopleFinally, the people are by far my favorite thing about Aqueduct. Since The Big As meet is primarily run during the winter months when its often unpleasant to be outside watching live races, it tends to attract the true fans of racing. Whether its Wood Memorial day or a card full of maiden and allowance races, the atmosphere at Aqueduct is almost as exciting as Belmont Stakes day.Ive also found that the fans at Aqueduct are some of the friendliest Ive met at any track, and many of them are willing to teach new fans the intricacies of the sport. On Wood Memorial day last year, I struck up a conversation with a man who told me about his time working on the backstretch exercising horses years ago. At Saturdays Cigar Mile, I chatted with a fan in a Preakness hat who gave me some tips for attending next years Kentucky Derby.Ive brought a few friends to Aqueduct as their first racetrack experience, and despite some temperamental weather, they liked it enough to come back. I have to give the loyal fans of Aqueduct some credit for always making race days a good time.Congratulations to Connect on winning the 2016 Cigar Mile, and heres to another great winter at Aqueduct!For more stories like this check out Americas Best Racing. ' ' '

Imagine winning a golf tournament where a victory gets you a Tiffany & Co. crown placed upon your head.Two years ago, at the inaugural LPGA UL International Crown golf tournament in Owings Mill, Maryland, the Spanish team of Belen Mozo, Carlota Ciganda, Azahara Munoz and Beatriz Recari wore the crowns with pride after capturing all four of their singles matches on the final day to win by a total of four points.The tournament came to be with the intention of giving the best players in the world the opportunity to represent their country, since the Solheim Cup only allows qualifying players from Europe and the United States to participate.This year, the biennial tournament will take place in Chicago at the Merit Club on July 21-24. For golf fans, this is a great opportunity to see sportsmanship mixed in with national pride.To help you become acquainted with the tournament, here is a list of what you need to know about how teams qualify, the format, which team has the best chance to win and whos the underdog.How teams qualifyUsing the Rolex World Ranking system, the four top players from the top eight countries (determined by the combined rank of its top four) qualify. Countries needed a minimum of four ranked players to be eligible by the time rankings were published, which was April 4 of this year. This means even World No. 1 Lydia Ko will not have the chance to represent New Zealand.?FormatThe competition takes place over four days. The first three days are a four-ball competition where each match is worth two points for a win and one point for a halve. After the completion of the four-ball, the top four teams and one wild card team compete in singles matches. The teams will be reseeded based on how many points they earned in the four-ball competition and every team member will play in a singles match.The total points earned in the four-ball and singles matches will determine the winner.Teams playing in seed order1. South Korea: Sei Young Kim, In Gee Chun, Amy Yang, So Yeon Ryu2. The United States: Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson, Gerina Piller, Cristie Kerr3. Japan: Haru Nomura, Mika Miyazato, Ayaka Watanabe, Ai Suzuki4. Australia: Minjee Lee, Su Oh, Karrie Webb, Rebecca Artis5. Chinese Taipei: Teresa Lu, Candie Kung, Yani Tseng, Cheng Ssu-Chia6. Thailand: Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya Jutanugarn, Pornanong Phatlum, Porani Chutichai7. China: Shanshan Feng, Xi Yu Lin, Jing Yang, Simin Feng8. England: Charley Hull, Melissa Reid, Holly Clyburn, Jodi Ewart ShadoffTop team pickSouth Korea has a strong team -- each of its players has had considerable success this year. Sei Young Kim has won twice this year and won three times during her rookie season in 2015. In Gee Chun is in her rookie year but has five top-three finishes. Amy Yang has five third-place finishes this year, her latest being at the U.S. Womens Open. So Yeon Ryu has played steadily all year with six top-10 finishes. All of these players are ranked inside the top 12 in the world.The underdogEngland might be last in the lineup, but the team has players experienced in match play settings. Of the four players, Charley Hull, Melissa Reid and Jodi Ewart Shadoff all have represented England in the Solheim Cup.Match play requires a different type of mental toughness than stroke play since it consists of individual holes won, not the total of strokes. So while a player might shoot 80 had she kept score, she could still win the match based on if she wins more holes than her opponent.Hull and Reid have played in two Solheim Cups, while Shadoff has played in one. Each of them have played on teams together when Europe won, so their experience of playing golf in a team setting and in match play will work in their favor.In addition, match play has seen major upsets when unexpected players rise to the occasion. Two years ago, Spain was ranked fifth going into the tournament and prevailed. Anything can happen.The International Crown is a fantastic event for the LPGA because it adds an element of surprise and drama that regular individual stroke play does not. So please, no emails chastising me if England loses and you put money on it to win! I warned you: This will be an exciting tournament. Hanley Ramirez Jersey .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center. Manny Ramirez Indians Jersey . Brazilian national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that the veteran goalkeeper is set to join Toronto on loan, saying it will help him be ready for the World Cup. http://www.indianssale.com/indians-tyler-clippard-jersey/ . Ancelotti says Ronaldo has recovered from a hamstring injury but "but he doesnt feel comfortable yet so we wont risk him." Madrid is third in the Spanish league, six points behind leader Barcelona, going into Saturdays game against Valladolid. Bradley Zimmer Jersey . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. Carlos Baerga Jersey . The Vancouver coach and an announced sellout crowd of 18,910 watched in dismay as the Canucks lost 7-4 to the New York Islanders on Monday night by squandering a 3-0 lead in the third period. NEW YORK -- The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with restricted free agents Nicklas Jensen and Mat Bodie.Jensen was acquired by the Rangers from Vancouver along with a sixth-round pick in the 2017 draft for Emerson Etem last season. He was a first-round pick by the Canucks, No. 29 overall, in the 2011 draft.The 23-year-old Jensen skated in 68 games in the American Hockey League with the Utica Comets and Hartford Wolf Pack this past season, getting 19 goals and 18 assists.He has skated in 24 NHL games over partts of three seasons, all with Vancouver, getting three goals and three assists.ddddddddddddhe 26-year-old Bodie skated in 76 games with the Wolf Pack this past season, getting seven goals and 29 assists.Bodie was one of two players -- and the only defenseman -- who skated in every game with the Wolf Pack in 2015-16.He was signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent on April 15, 2014. ' ' '