National Sports

Kaillie Humphries is officially part of USA Bobsled's national team. The two-time Olympic champion for Canada was selected Thursday night as a member of the U.S. team for this season.

QUEBEC — Western Mustangs quarterback Chris Merchant has been named the top player in Canadian university football this year. Merchant captured the Hec Crighton Trophy on Thursday night at the U Sports football awards.

CALGARY — Defensive end Willie Jefferson of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is the CFL's top defensive player.

CALGARY — Frankie Williams of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was named the CFL's top special-teams performer Thursday night.

CALGARY — Tackle Chris Van Zeyl of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was named the CFL's top lineman Thursday night.

Calgary Stampeders linebacker Nate Holley was named the CFL's top rookie Thursday night. Holley received the honour at the league's awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine CFL head coaches.

MADRID — Canada has advanced to the semifinals at the Davis Cup Finals. Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont.

CALGARY — The local talent on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers roster made decisions to come home during their football careers.

TORONTO — Khem Birch said there's virtually no argument for skipping Canada's Olympic qualifying tournament.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — New Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe spent a decent chunk of a 30-minute morning skate on Thursday teaching instead of running drills. There's a lot for his new team to learn and not much time to do it.