National Sports

VANCOUVER — All-star goalie Thatcher Demko will return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup Friday. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said Demko will backup Kevin Lankinen as Vancouver hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets.

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is encouraging people to do their research on avalanche risk before heading into the backcountry, as forecasts show danger ratings are expected to increase in some areas over the weekend.

KANSAS CITY — Canadian international forward Nichelle Prince has signed a new two-year contract that keeps her at the NWSL's Kansas City Current through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. The 29-year-old from Ajax, Ont.

IDRE FJÄLL — Canadian freestyle skier Mikael Kingsbury continued his perfect start to the World Cup moguls season with a gold medal Friday in Idre Fjäll, Sweden. The 32-year-old Olympic and world champion from Deux-Montagnes, Que.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — It was a rare instance of Lionel Messi stepping on a soccer field and having no idea what was happening.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — It was a rare instance of Lionel Messi stepping on a soccer field and having no idea what was happening.

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed quarterback Trevor Harris to a one-year contract extension, the CFL club announced Friday. Harris was a West Division All-Star last season. He completed 72.

CALGARY — Goaltender Jordan Binnington and defenceman Colton Parayko loomed large for the St. Louis Blues in a 4-3 overtime win Thursday over the Calgary Flames a day after they were named to Canada's roster for the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off.

TORONTO — An average night for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still makes him one of the best players in the NBA.

MONTREAL — Sam Montembeault found out last Sunday he’d don the red and white as one of Canada’s goalies at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February. The Montreal Canadiens netminder has only justified that selection since.