National Sports

VANCOUVER — For the first time in four years, the Vancouver Whitecaps are on the cusp of a playoff spot — and clinching the berth remains firmly within the club's hands.

WINNIPEG — Speaking with his mental performance coach was part of Trevor Harris’s preparations this week before his first start for the Montreal Alouettes.

WINNIPEG — Speaking with his mental performance coach was part of Trevor Harris’s preparations this week before his first start for the Montreal Alouettes.

WINNIPEG — Speaking with his mental performance coach was part of Trevor Harris’s preparations this week before his first start for the Montreal Alouettes.

TORONTO — A 7-1 drubbing at the hands of D.C. United on July 3 was the nadir of Toronto FC's dismal MLS season. First-year coach Chris Armas was fired the next day in the wake of the 1-8-2 club suffering its sixth straight loss.

TORONTO — A 7-1 drubbing at the hands of D.C. United on July 3 was the nadir of Toronto FC's dismal MLS season. First-year coach Chris Armas was fired the next day in the wake of the 1-8-2 club suffering its sixth straight loss.

TORONTO — A 7-1 drubbing at the hands of D.C. United on July 3 was the nadir of Toronto FC's dismal MLS season. First-year coach Chris Armas was fired the next day in the wake of the 1-8-2 club suffering its sixth straight loss.

OTTAWA — Brady Tkachuk may have a new letter sewn on his jersey, but he doesn’t plan on changing anything else. Tkachuk was named the new captain for the Ottawa Senators on Friday, making him the 10th in franchise history.

Canada is getting reinforcements for its World Cup qualifying games against Costa Rica and Mexico in Edmonton. Captain Atiba Hutchinson, Cyle Larin, Milan Borjan and Lucas Cavallini are back in the squad after missing the October matches.

NEW YORK — Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk has been fined the maximum US$5,000 by the NHL for high sticking.