National Sports

TORONTO — Houston coach Mike D'Antoni was philosophical Thursday in the wake of a James Harden dunk that didn't count in the Rockets' loss in San Antonio on Tuesday. "It's just part of the game.

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. — Canada lacks a classic downhiller in women's ski racing, but speed is vitally important to the all-rounders on the national alpine team. Roni Remme of Collingwood, Ont., and Marie-Michele Gagnon of Lac-Etchemin, Que.

Former NHL player Brent Sopel says his stories on a year-old podcast about rough treatment from Marc Crawford were meant "to entertain the listener" and not to make allegations against his former coach.

TORONTO — It was pointed out to Cale Makar back in September he didn't seem at all daunted by sky-high expectations.

LONDON — Not since 1977 have things been this bad at Arsenal.

Celine Dion? Kim Kardashian-West? Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? They've got nothing on a four-year-old named Mason. Jeremy Rupke runs a YouTube channel called Coach Jeremy that features videos on hockey drills, equipment and culture.

CALGARY — A deal to build a new arena in downtown Calgary is official after definitive agreements were signed between the city, the Calgary Flames hockey organization and the Calgary Stampede.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released Canadian defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo so he can pursue NFL opportunities. Kongbo, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before moving to Surrey, B.C.

IRVING, Texas — Edmonton native Chuba Hubbard, the NCAA rushing leader, has been named the Big 12 offensive player of the year. Conference sacks leader James Lynch from Baylor was named top defensive player.

TORONTO — Two Toronto Wolfpack players are moving on with halfback Ryan Brierley joining Hull Kingston Rovers permanently while centre Greg Worthington goes to Featherstone Rovers on loan.