National Sports

TORONTO — Shun Yamaguchi shifted his dreams to Major League Baseball when he saw fellow Japanese players like Hideo Nomo and Ichiro Suzuki enjoying success in North America.

Canadian professional wrestling legend Rocky (Soul Man) Johnson, the father of actor Dwayne (the Rock) Johnson, has died at the age of 75.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have signed guard Paul Watson to a two-way contract. Watson appeared in 13 games for Raptors 905 this season, averaging 18.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and shooting .467 (43-for-92) from three-point range.

After an intensive training camp with Golf Canada's national amateur squad, coach Tristan Mullally is excited for the future of the women's game in this country. Mullally worked with Quebec City's Sarah-Eve Rheaume, Noemie Pare of Victoriaville, Que.

HAMILTON — Alexis Lafreniere has raised some eyebrows. Heading into the world junior hockey championship, there was no doubting the projected No.

OTTAWA — Gerard Gallant began the year with his Vegas Golden Knights in first place in the Pacific Division and news he would be coaching in the upcoming NHL all-star game.

Jack Hughes already had a full plate coming into this season. First overall pick, tons of hype, potential face of the New Jersey Devils for the next decade or more. Things, however, haven't quite gone according to plan.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Caleb Jones to a two-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season. The 22-year-old Jones has appeared in 23 games with the Oilers this season, posting three assists and six penalty minutes.

EDMONTON — Former Ottawa Redblacks defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe is taking the same job with the Edmonton Eskimos. New Eskimos head coach Scott Milanovich announced some of his staff on Wednesday.

Kia Nurse's side hustle is halfway around the world. For the second consecutive WNBA off-season, the 23-year-old from Hamilton, Ont., is playing in Australia for the Canberra Capitals, who she led to a WNBL championship last spring.