National Sports

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions' message since May's training camp in Kamloops has been clear: push beyond the Western final and win the Grey Cup. Last season ended on a snowy day at I.G. Field with a 28-20 loss to the 2021 champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

MONTREAL — Olivier Renard made it clear at season’s end that he wasn’t pleased with CF Montreal’s play this year. On Thursday, he decided to do something about it.

BARRANCAS, Colombia (AP) — The father of Liverpool striker Luis Díaz was released Thursday by members of a guerrilla group who kidnapped him in northern Colombia, the government announced, ending a 12-day ordeal for the family.

DENVER (AP) — Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle will miss the game at Colorado on Thursday night after suffering a cut to his leg from a skate blade during practice.

TORONTO — It's been a seamless transition for Ryan Hunter. The 28-year-old North Bay, Ont., native has become one of the CFL's top offensive linemen since joining the Toronto Argonauts late last season after being released by the L.A. Chargers.

Pro Football Focus has named Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly as its league MVP. The American analytics company graded CFL players this past season for the league's weekly and monthly honour rolls.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled forward Pontus Holmberg from the American Hockey League on Thursday. The club also loaned defenceman Max Lajoie to the Toronto Marlies in a corresponding move.

Canada, which opens play Friday against Spain at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, has scored just 10 goals in its previous seven trips to the youth showcase. But one of those made history.

TORONTO — Centre/wing Nic Benn, who was limited to just one game last season after suffering a shoulder injury in the Toronto Arrows' season opener, has re-signed with the Major League Rugby team.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag as his Manchester United reign descends deeper into crisis.