National Sports

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors bid farewell to 2021 with a victory. It came in a near-empty arena that was almost befitting the end of another bizarre sports year in the COVID-19 era. Now, they hope they've left their virus troubles behind them.

CALGARY — Canadian freestyle skier Brendan Mackay's first World Cup victory was a memorable one Thursday night as the 24-year-old did it on home turf.

TORONTO — The Canadian Premier League has taken over operation of FC Edmonton while a search for new ownership continues.

Becky Hammon is coming back to the WNBA as a head coach. The veteran San Antonio Spurs assistant took the lead spot with the Las Vegas Aces on Friday.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — If the New Jersey Devis are going to make a playoff push after a poor start, they are going to need Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier and some of their other stars to pick up their games.

LONDON (AP) — U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu was honored by Queen Elizabeth II in the British monarch's annual New Year's list on Friday following the teenager's breakthrough performance at Flushing Meadows.

The NHL has postponed eight more games in Canada due to attendance restrictions implemented in response to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases.

HAMILTON, New Zealand — Special teams co-ordinator Jeff Reinebold is leaving the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after seven seasons with the CFL club. Reinebold said Friday on Twitter that he has declined an opportunity to return to the Ticats in 2022.

New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff tested positive for COVID-19 hours before the Devils' game against the Edmonton Oilers and was isolated from the team.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have re-signed American quarterback Jake Maier, who emerged as a dependable backup to Bo Levi Mitchell last season. Maier played 11 games for the Stampeders during his rookie CFL season in 2021 and made three starts.