National Sports

VANCOUVER — After a too-long summer, the Vancouver Canucks are locked on a singular goal as they prepare for training camp. “Not making the playoffs would be a disaster for us,” head coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters Wednesday.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers officially began training camp Wednesday, but a lot of the talk in the Alberta capital is already focused on what the team is going to be doing in April.

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays optioned reliever Julian Merryweather to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday afternoon and recalled left-hander Foster Griffin from the Bisons.

Canada Soccer has made a new offer to its players in a bid to resolve their ongoing contract impasse. Earl Cochrane, Canada Soccer's general secretary, said a "comprehensive compensation offer" was made Tuesday to both the Canadian men and women.

Canada will be without veteran midfielder Jonathan Osorio for upcoming friendlies in Europe. While called up by Canada coach John Herdman, a Toronto FC spokeswoman says Osorio remained in Toronto "to continue his recovery process.

A season sweep of the Calgary Stampeders would take the B.C. Lions somewhere they haven't been in a while. B.C. (9-3) hosts Calgary (8-5) on Saturday night to complete a home-and-home series.

The Canadian women's soccer team will play Argentina and Morocco in international friendlies in Spain during the October FIFA international window. The seventh-ranked Canadians will face No. 31 Argentina on Oct. 6 and No. 76 Morocco on Oct.

MONTREAL — Kyries Hebert will retire as a member of the Montreal Alouettes. The veteran linebacker will sign a one-day deal with Montreal on Thursday, then formally end his 15-year pro career.

Ted Lasso is now in the game. Electronic Arts and Warner Bros.

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released American offensive lineman Travis Vornkahl on Wednesday. The six-foot-six, 298-pound American had started a combined nine games at left tackle (seven games) and right guard (twice) this season for Hamilton.