National Sports

CALGARY — Jim Barker will have a unique opportunity Sunday. Barker will be on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' sidelines when the East champs face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium.

CALGARY — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have racked up an impressive offensive record in 2019, but the team's head coach says it's the defence that has become the "heartbeat" of team.

TORONTO — It looks like Canada will slip out of the top six in CONCACAF when the new FIFA rankings come out later this month.

All that's certain Sunday is one team will end a lengthy Grey Cup drought. Winnipeg and Hamilton will square off for CFL bragging rights at McMahon Stadium.

Canada's men's baseball team will be in Group B with Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela at the WBSC Americas Olympic qualifier next March, with the top finisher of the eight-team tournament earning a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Games.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jimmie Johnson is the latest NASCAR superstar to climb out of his car, with the seven-time champion announcing Wednesday that 2020 will be his final season of full-time racing.

NEW YORK — Washington Capitals forward Garnet Hathaway has been suspended three games for spitting on an opponent. The NHL announced Hathaway’s suspension Wednesday after a hearing with him. He will forfeit $24,194 in salary.

WINNIPEG — A casual bet about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers getting the ultimate Canadian Football League win has left one of their most dedicated fans in shorts for the past 18 years.

TARRAGONA, Spain — Canadian golfer Aaron Cockerill has earned a European Tour playing card for the 2019-20 season. The native of Stony Mountain, Man.

Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan will be away from the team indefinitely while taking part in the NHL/National Hockey League Players' Association assistance program. The NHL and NHLPA made the announcement Wednesday.