National Sports

TORONTO — McLeod Bethel-Thompson is ready to face more pressure off the snap when his Toronto Argonauts host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BMO Field on Saturday.

Forge FC, which leads the Canadian Premier League with 37 goals this season, added some more firepower Friday by signing former Toronto FC forward Jordan Hamilton to a multi-year contract. The 26-year-old from Scarborough, Ont.

OTTAWA — Calgary Stampeders coach Dave Dickenson remains in COVID protocol and will miss Friday's road game against the Ottawa Redblacks.

Toronto FC confirmed the return of Canadian fullback/wingback Richie Laryea on Friday on loan from England's Nottingham Forrest.

Canada dropped one place to No. 7 while newly crowned European champion England jumped four places to No. 4 in the new FIFA women's world rankings. The U.S.

George Hopkins has seen many players come and go during his 51 years with the Calgary Stampeders, but none impacted him more than the late Willie Burden. Burden spent eight seasons as a running back with Calgary (1974-81).

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Whit Merrifield said Thursday he is vaccinated for COVID-19 and will be cleared to play for Toronto when the Blue Jays return to Canada. Merrifield was acquired in a trade with Kansas City on Tuesday for two minor leaguers.

MONTREAL — CF Montréal head coach Wilfried Nancy isn’t one to focus too much on the standings. He believes that getting caught up in other teams’ results and recent scores from around the league can be a distraction.

CALGARY — The federal government suspending Hockey Canada's funding because of problems distant to the national women's team can still affect it. The Canadian women's and para hockey teams rely heavily on federal funds to operate.

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — The Calgary Flames and recently acquired forward Jonathan Huberdeau have agreed to an $84 million, eight-year contract extension.