National Sports

Calgary Stampeders linebacker Nate Holley was named the CFL's top rookie Thursday night. Holley received the honour at the league's awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine CFL head coaches.

MADRID — Canada has advanced to the semifinals at the Davis Cup Finals. Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont.

CALGARY — The local talent on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers roster made decisions to come home during their football careers.

TORONTO — Khem Birch said there's virtually no argument for skipping Canada's Olympic qualifying tournament.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — New Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe spent a decent chunk of a 30-minute morning skate on Thursday teaching instead of running drills. There's a lot for his new team to learn and not much time to do it.

TORONTO — What stands out to Kevin Abrams about Sheldon Keefe above everything else has been his ability to change — in hockey, and most importantly, in life.

CALGARY — Jim Lawson's time as CFL board chairman will end this weekend. Two CFL sources say Lawson will step down from his post following the Grey Cup game Sunday.

LIVERPOOL, England — Canadian international Janine Beckie scored to help defending champion Manchester City defeat Everton 4-1 in Continental League Cup play Thursday. Beckie's goal came off a corner in the 36th minute.

The Western Hockey League is undecided on the future of a charitable program featuring Don Cherry.

CALGARY — He's an imaginative playcaller and regarded as an offensive genius, but Tommy Condell's biggest strength is subscribing to the most basic of coaching principles: Creating a system showcasing a player's ability.