National Sports

TORONTO — It's the dream of every aspiring young basketball player to be drafted by their hometown team, according to Dalano Banton. And his dream was no different.

CALGARY — Mark Giordano didn't wait until the NHL regular season to return to the Saddledome.

Canada's Olympic champion women's soccer team will kick off its "Celebration Tour" next month with matches against New Zealand in Ottawa and Montreal.

Canadian featherweight Felicia (FeeNom) Spencer will take on Leah (Nidas) Letson on the undercard of a UFC Fight Night show Nov. 13 in Las Vegas. Spencer (8-3-0) is coming off a split decision to Brazilian Norma (The Immortal) Dumont in May.

TORONTO — B.C Lions receiver Lucky Whitehead, Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence and Lions quarterback Michael Reilly have been named the CFL's top performers for September. Whitehead recorded 15 receptions for 326 yards (21.

Former Canadian women's sevens coach Tait has been named B.C. Rugby's new technical director. B.C. Rugby said Tait will report directly to its CEO and play a "vital role in building upon B.C. Rugby’s long history of success on the field.

Akim Aliu is calling the Ukrainian Hockey League's punishment of a player who used a racist taunt during a game a "complete embarrassment.

TORONTO — The Canadian Championship semifinals have been set for late October and early November. Canada Soccer announced Wednesday that Forge FC will host CF Montreal on Oct.

A look at what's happening around the majors today: ___ WILD, WILD EAST Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

EDMONTON — Brendan Perlini is making a strong case for a return to the NHL. Perlini scored twice and Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists as the Edmonton Oilers cruised to a 6-0 pre-season win over the expansion Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.