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Wednesday, February 23, 2022

{allcanada} Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov diagnosed with brain tumour

 

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, general manager Kyle Dubas announced in a statement Wednesday.

The tumour was discovered while Amirov was undergoing treatment for an unrelated injury earlier this season. He is undergoing treatment for the tumour in Germany and will not play for the remainder of this season.

"Our medical staff has been involved throughout the process alongside Ufa's and we are in direct contact with the facility on an ongoing basis to monitor his treatment and care," Dubas said. "Rodion has the complete support of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and we will continue to ensure he receives the best care possible throughout this process."

Amirov, 20, was a first-round pick by the Maple Leafs (15th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. The small, skilled forward is currently playing in the KHL for Ufa Salavat Yulayev, where he had one goal and three points in 10 games this season. In three parts of seasons with Ufa, Amirov has 10 goals and 18 points in 70 games.

"I want to stay positive, and I want people to think positively about me," he said in an interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. "There are many other people that have their own sicknesses or illnesses. I want to show by example that I can give people hope."

"Rodion is in good spirits and is determined to return back to professional hockey," his agent Dan Milstein said in a statement, adding that Amirov is skating three times a week in Germany. "Supported by two first-class organizations, we will do everything we can to help Rodion and his family during this difficult time."

The Salavat native represented Russia at the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships where he had two goals and six points in seven games to lead his team in scoring.

The Maple Leafs and Amirov signed a three-year, entry-level contract on April 15, 2021.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2022

{allcanada} Whitecaps extend starting goalkeeper Hasal through 2023

 

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have locked up their No. 1 goalkeeper, signing Thomas Hasal to an extension through 2023.

The deal, announced Tuesday, also includes club options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Hasal, 22, was elevated to the starting 'keeper position in January when the 'Caps dealt star netminder Maxime Crepeau to Los Angeles FC for general allocation money and draft picks.

Sporting director Axel Schuster said Crepeau requested a trade, citing a "very special personal situation."

Schuster said in a statement Tuesday that Hasal has shown he has the ability to "become one of Canada's best goalkeepers" and the club looks forward to him making the most of his new opportunity.

The homegrown talent has logged 17 appearances for the 'Caps across all competitions last season, posting a 2-2-3 record over seven MLS starts.

Hailing from Saskatoon, Hasal came up through the Whitecaps Academy system before signing a first-team contract in March 2019 and has been called up to Canada's U-18, U-20 and U-23 teams.

Hasal said in a statement that he's developed "immensely" with the help of Vancouver's staff in recent years.

"I'm looking forward to continuing that growth, but more importantly to doing everything in my power to help the club reach our goals," he said. "After last season, it was clear that we're starting to build a culture here at the club and I'm excited to be a part of that.

"Vancouver has been my home over the past few years, and I want to repay the fans, club, staff, and my teammates, by showing I can be a top goalkeeper in the league."

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

{allcanada} Chiarot expected back for Canadiens on Sunday

 

Ben Chiarot could return to the lineup for the Canadiens against the New York Islanders on Sunday.

The defenseman was expected to be out a week because of a lower-body injury sustained in a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 12.

Chiarot, who leads Montreal defenseman in average ice time per game (23:17), has scored nine points (five goals, four assists) in 44 games this season.

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{allcanada} Tarasenko out for Blues against Maple Leafs

 

Vladimir Tarasenko is day to day with an undisclosed injury and will not play for the Blues against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; NHLN, SN360, CITY, SNO, SNW, SNP, BSMW, NHL LIVE).

Blues coach Craig Berube said the forward sustained the injury in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. He had an assist and three shots on goal in 18:58 of ice time.

Jordan Kyrou will replace Tarasenko at right wing on a line with center Robert Thomas and left wing Pavel Buchnevich.

Tarasenko leads the Blues with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 44 games this season.

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Thursday, February 17, 2022

{allcanada} Maple Leafs waive Brooks one day after claiming him from Golden Knights

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Adam Brooks back on waivers.

The move comes a day after Brooks was claimed by Toronto from the Vegas Golden Knights. The 25-year-old scored two goals in seven games with the Golden Knights before he was placed on waivers on Tuesday.

Brooks has not appeared in a game since Dec. 31 as he is dealing with an undisclosed injury. Toronto demoted defenceman Timothy Liljegren to the AHL in order to save money on the salary cap ahead of the trade deadline.

The Winnipeg, Man., native originally started the 2021-22 campaign with the Leafs but was placed on waivers before the start of the season and was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 11.
Brooks had one assist in four games with the Canadiens before he was claimed off waivers by Vegas on Nov. 17.

Brooks was originally selected by the Leafs in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Draft. He has six goals and 11 points in 29 career games with the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, and Golden Knights.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

{allcanada} Noah Gragson, Jacques Villeneuve jubilant after clinching Daytona 500 starting spots

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two drivers for non-chartered teams can breathe with a measure of relief after locking in their Daytona 500 berths with Wednesday's Busch Light Pole Qualifying. And what a contrast for those two.

Give one starting spot to Noah Gragson, the plucky 23-year-old Xfinity Series regular who pushed the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet into the field with the fastest lap – 33rd overall – among the open teams. The other guaranteed berth went to Team Hezeberg's Jacques Villeneuve, the 50-year-old Canadian who has a Formula 1 title and Indianapolis 500 win in his trophy case.

Both will race in Sunday's season-opening Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) for the first time. The other four non-chartered drivers – Kaz Grala, Greg Biffle, JJ Yeley and Timmy Hill – will await their fate after Thursday's Bluegreen Vacations Duel qualifying races (7 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM).

Gragson's effort will mark his Cup Series debut. His bid to make The Great American Race with the Beard Motorsports group last year ended in heartbreak after a crash in the second Duel.

"It's really emotional to be able to make the race after last year coming so close and went through adversity during qualifying last year and not being able to take time," said Gragson, who has more part-time Cup Series duty on his 2022 schedule with Kaulig Racing. "Before the Duel last year, Ms. Beard said to just go out there and drive the piss out of it. So she told me that tonight before qualifying, too. Last year, not being able to make the race, it's almost that much sweeter and you appreciate it that much more. "

This year, Gragson celebrated with the family-run team, sharing hugs with owner Linda Beard on pit road after his lap. Beard and her children have continued the team's legacy after the death of founder Mark Beard Sr. just two weeks before last year's 500.

"Well, just being right here is a thrill," Linda Beard said. "Because being a small team, and having this happen to us, which has happened before, we've made this race before, but not being here last year and having the tragedy of losing my husband makes this just so much more emotional for all of us and so much bittersweet for all of us. So it's a thrill, and we are extremely grateful."

https://www.nascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/17/2022-feb16-jacques-villeneuve-main-image-443x241.jpg

Villeneuve is scheduled for just his fifth Cup Series start and his first since 2013. He failed to qualify in his only other Daytona 500 bid, also driving a No. 27 entry for team owner Bill Davis in 2008. He'll give Team Hezeberg, a part-time team with European roots, its first Cup Series appearance on the sport's grandest stage.

Villeneuve was also all smiles after time trials, saying Thursday's feat stood out on the list of his career accomplishments.

"Obviously, it's not a win. It's not like winning the Indy 500 or the F1 championship. But at this point in my career, the last time I tried to qualify here was 14 years ago, just to make the show is incredible," Villeneuve said. "Because we're a small team, we didn't link up with a big team to to get the car ready, and it's highly unexpected to be able to make it on time. So it ranks right after these big wins."

The rest of the 40-car field will be sorted after Thursday's 60-lap, 150-mile Duel races. Grala and Biffle were the fastest among the four drivers not already clinched, and both could rely on qualifying speeds to make the main event.

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Tuesday, February 15, 2022

{allcanada} Scotiabank Arena should get busier as Ontario government accelerates attendance plan

 

TORONTO -- The stands will be a lot busier at Scotiabank Arena this week in the wake of the Ontario government slightly accelerating plans to ease attendance limits at indoor sports events.

Initially permitted capacity was going to rise to 50 per cent Feb. 21 and 100 per cent on March 14. That has been pushed forward to Thursday and March 1, respectively, "if public health and health system indicators continue to improve."

The last four Toronto Raptors games and two Maple Leaf contests have been restricted to 500 fans in the building.

With Leaf home games Thursday against Pittsburgh and Saturday against St. Louis, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment had to pivot quickly to get make available the 10,000 tickets allowed per game.

While a presale for members has already started for the next two games, Tom McDonald, MLSE's senior vice-president of ticket sales and service, believes the quick turnaround will result in a "few thousand" tickets available to the general public. They will go on sale Wednesday at noon, as well as some tickets for the Feb. 24 game against the Minnesota Wild.

The Leafs' season-ticket base covers some 15,000 seats.

MLSE essentially divided its season-ticket base into half in the past when 50 per cent capacity was in effect due to the pandemic.

"We spaced our members in each section, by row, and they just got every other game," said McDonald.

The Ottawa Senators' first home game under the new attendance rules is Saturday against Boston.

The Toronto Raptors, currently on a five-game road trip, don't play at home again until March 1 when the Brooklyn Nets visit.

Ontario announced in early October, ahead of the NHL and NBA seasons, that major indoor pro sports teams had the green light to host capacity crowds.

That move to full capacity had been widely expected after Ontario had raised capacity at indoor venues to 50 per cent or 10,000 fans, whichever number is lower.

The Leafs averaged 18,819 spectators through 17 home dates this season, while the Raptors averaged 19,777 in their 15 contests before capacity was capped in mid-December to 50 per cent in response to the latest wave of COVID-19.

In late December, attendance was further reduced to a cap of 1,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity, whichever was less. MLSE responded by saying it would transition "to operating without any sold tickets" for the next three weeks.

Capacity limits in Ontario prompted the NHL to postpone several Leafs and Ottawa Senators home games.

More restrictions, going into effect Jan. 5, effectively eliminated all fans.

The provincial government then announced last month that -- effective Jan. 31 -- large sports arenas and concert venues would be allowed 500 people or half-capacity, whichever is lower, until Feb. 21.

Premier Doug Ford said Monday that Ontario will also lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings March 1, although businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masking requirements remain in place at this time.

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{allcanada} Jets to return to full capacity at Canada Life Centre on Wednesday

 

The Winnipeg Jets will return to 100 per cent capacity for all home games at Canada Life Centre, starting with Wednesday's contest against the Minnesota Wild.

Winnipeg made the announcement Saturday on social media.

Canada Life Centre has a capacity crowd of 15,321 fans for Jets games.

The Calgary Flames will remain at 50 per cent capacity for home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome at least until the end of the month, but the club announced earlier this week patrons will no longer have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Patrons are still required to wear face masks at all times unless actively eating or drinking. Children aged 12 and under will not have to wear masks while attending games starting Monday.

Revised capacity limits and restrictions for other provinces have yet to be announced.

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{allcanada} Canucks to return to full capacity crowds Saturday vs. Ducks

 

The Vancouver Canucks confirmed they will be welcoming full capacity crowds back to Rogers Arena beginning Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks after British Columbia announced that it was lifting some COVID-19 restrictions this week.

"Today's news was made possible thanks to everyone's efforts and commitment in recent weeks and months as we all navigated the latest challenges of the pandemic," said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations in a statement. "But it's now an exciting time to look forward again. The announcement today is great news as we head into our next Canucks home game on Saturday, and for our teams and fans in Vancouver and Abbotsford for the rest of the season."

Premier John Horgan and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Tuesday that indoor events -- including seated events like live sports and theatres -- will be allowed to return to full capacity beginning Thursday. Those attending events will need to wear masks and show proof of vaccination.

"The health and safety of our fans, employees, players and community continues to be a top priority as we safely open our doors to full capacity again," Doyle said in a statement. "We will continue to follow provincial health orders at our games and live events at Rogers Arena and Abbotsford Centre as we welcome fans back to full arenas."

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{allcanada} Islanders' Varlamov to remain in Canada at least 6 days after COVID test result

 

Following a positive COVID-19 result over the weekend, New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov is due for an unintentionally extended stay in Canada.

Islanders coach Barry Trotz told reporters on Tuesday that Varlamov will have to stay north of the border for at least six days after entering COVID-19 protocol on Saturday in Calgary.

Varlamov was the Islanders' projected starter ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Flames, but his placement in COVID-19 protocol before puck drop forced New York to lean on Ilya Sorokin instead.

In 15 games (13 starts) this season, Varlamov is 3-9-1 with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

On Monday, veteran netminder Cory Schneider was recalled from AHL Bridgeport to take Varlamov's place on the active roster. The Islanders return to action on Tuesday night, facing the Buffalo Sabres to cap a four-game road swing.

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Sunday, February 13, 2022

{allcanada} OHL Roundup: Frontenacs snap Bulldogs' win streak

 

KINGSTON, Ont. — Leevi Merilainen stopped a whopping 53 shots on Sunday, powering the Kingston Frontenacs to a 5-4 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs in Ontario Hockey League play.

Jordan Frasca and Paul Ludwinski each had a pair of goals for the Frontenacs (26-12-3), and Gage Heyes scored the game winner 12:29 into the third period.

Ryan Humphrey scored twice and notched an assist, while Avery Hayes and Logan Morrison also had goals for the Bulldogs (25-11-4).

Marco Costantini stopped 24-of-29 shots for Hamilton, which saw it's seven-game win streak snapped.

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BATALLION 4 WOLVES 3

NORTH BAY, ONT. — Sudbury (14-25-5) jumped out to a 3-0 lead before North Bay (26-15-6) roared back with four unanswered goals in the third period for the win. Battalion right-winger Brandon Coe scored the game winner with 71 seconds left on the clock.

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STEELHEADS 5 67'S 0

OTTAWA — Joe Ranger stopped all 31 shots he faced as Mississauga (29-12-5) blanked Ottawa (20-21-4) to snap a five-game winless skid. Jake Uberti put away two goals and an assist for the Steelheads and Zakary Lavoie scored twice.

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GENERALS 6 PETES 3

OSHAWA, ONT. — Oskar Olausson completed his hat trick with an empty-net strike as Oshawa (23-16-3) doubled up Peterborough (16-25-2). The victory extends the Generals' win streak to six straight games.

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{allcanada} Former Ticats WR Banks joins Argonauts

 

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts added another free-agent offensive weapon Sunday in former Tiger-Cat receiver Brandon (Speedy B) Banks.

The 34-year-old Banks spent the last eight seasons in Hamilton, a receiving and return threat who was named the CFL's most outstanding player in 2019 and top special-teams player in 2015.

He left the club in late January, saying he "will always bleed black and gold."

Perhaps, but now he will wear Double Blue, along with former Winnipeg star running back Andrew Harris.

"We want to welcome Brandon and his family to Toronto and couldn't be more excited for him to join the organization," Argos coach Ryan Dinwiddie said in a statement.

"Brandon gives us a ball in hand receiver and a vertical threat to our passing game, while providing veteran leadership. What he's done in this league is phenomenal and we are thrilled he'll be in Double Blue."

Banks is a four-time CFL all-star (2014, '15, '18, '19) and six-time East all-star (2014-19).

The five-foot-seven speedster played 111 games as a Ticat and ranks first in franchise history in kick return yards (3,773), punt return yards (3,049), missed field goal return yards (779) and missed field goal return touchdowns (5).

He stands second among Hamilton players in total touchdowns (62), combined yards (13,686) and punt return touchdowns (7) and inside the top eight in receptions (442), receiving yards (5,678) and receiving touchdowns (44).

A special-teams dynamo early in his career, Banks transitioned into a wideout threat. He had his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2017 with 1,011 yards, adding a then-career-high eight touchdowns through the air.

He followed that up with 1,423 receiving yards and 11 TDs in 2018 and 1,550 yards and 13 TDs in his MOP 2019 season.

A rib injury limited Banks to 10 games in the pandemic-shortened 2021 season, which saw his offensive output drop to 474 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

He scored a touchdown in his final game with the Ticats, a heartbreaking 33-25 loss at home to Winnipeg in the 108th Grey Cup.

Prior to coming to Canada, the North Carolina native and Kansas State alum played three seasons with Washington's NFL team (2010-12) where he saw action in 41 games and tallied over 2,800 kick return yards and a return touchdown.

Hamilton defensive lineman J'Gared Davis has also signed with the Argos as a free agent.

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Saturday, February 12, 2022

{allcanada} QMJHL roundup: Eagles snap eight-game losing streak with SO win over Voltigeurs

 

DRUMMONDVILLE, Que. — Ivan Ivan assisted on two goals and scored the game-winning shootout goal as the Cape Breton Eagles defeated the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-4 to snap an eight-game losing streak Saturday in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Goaltender Nicolas Ruccia allowed only one goal during the shootout for the Eagles (8-21-5), stopping three shots he faced. The Laval, Que., native made 37 saves in the victory.

Drummondville (15-12-7) carried a 3-1 advantaged heading into the third period and responded to an early Cape Breton goal in the third to lead 4-2 with about nine minutes left to play.

However, the Eagles scored twice in just over a minute with four minutes to play to send the game to overtime.

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REMPARTS 4 OLYMPIQUES 3

GATINEAU, QUE. -- Zachary Bolduc put away two goals and registered an assist as Quebec (23-11-1) snapped a three-game skid with a win over Gatineau (19-9-5). Olympiques goalie Emerik Despatie was pulled midway through the second period after surrendering four goals on 15 shots. Remi Poirier made 12 saves in relief.

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TIGRES 5 DRAKKAR 2

VICTORIAVILLE, QUE. -- Max Pellerin completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal late in the third period and Victoriaville (14-15-5) clawed out a big win over Baie-Comeau (10-16-8). Hugo Audette contributed a pair of assists for the Tigres.

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OCEANIC 4 SAGUENEENS 2

RIMOUSKI, QUE. -- A second-period power-play goal from William Dumoulin was the difference maker as Rimouski (18-12-4) doubled up Chicoutimi (14-15-5). William Rouleau scored both goals for the Sagueneens, who've lost six in a row.

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FOREURS 6 HUSKIES 3

ROUYN-NORANDA, QUE. -- Alexandre Doucet scored a hat trick and added an assist as Val-d'Or (13-17-4) coasted past Rouyn-Noranda (12-19-3). Doucet scored the game-winner for the Foreurs in the third period and added an extra marker in the frame to complete the hat trick.

 

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{allcanada} Jimenez scores as TFC downs Chicago in MLS pre-season

 

AUSTIN, Texas — A goal by newly signed Spanish forward Jesus Jimenez gave Toronto FC a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire in pre-season MLS play Saturday.

The weather did not co-operate with cool conditions, not to mention a downpour, at St. David's Performance Center, Austin FC's training facility. Coaches were bundled up on the sidelines, complete with tuques.

The game was paused after 30 minutes due to lightning in the area. The team treated the break like halftime and kept playing when they returned — changing ends around the 50-minute mark.

Toronto improved to 3-1-0 in exhibition play under new coach Bob Bradley, who has overhauled the roster after taking over in the wake of a dismal 6-18-10 season.

Jimenez scored in the 56th minute, capping off a nice Toronto buildup involving Jacob Shaffelburg, Jayden Nelson and Alejandro Pozuelo. Shaffelburg's low cross found Pozuelo and the Spanish playmaker fed the nearby Jimenez, who turned and scored from close range.

Minutes later, Chicago goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina made a good save to deny Nelson.

Jimenez and Mexican defender Carlos Salcedo, another recent signing, both started for Toronto.

There were anxious moments for Toronto when Salcedo went down in the 64th minute and needed treatment. He limped off the field under his own steam as both teams made wholesale changes.

Toronto had more of the early possession but Chicago came close in the 46th minute when a diving Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono had to push away Mauricio Pineda's low curling shot. Bono then stopped a shot off the rebound and a Toronto teammate managed to clear the ball just wide of the goalpost.

Greg Ranjitsingh, replacing Bono in goal, made an acrobatic save with his leg in the 77th to deny Jhon Jader Duran after the 18-year-old Colombian forward was put in behind the Toronto defence. Ranjitsingh stopped Duran again minutes later.

Toronto split its first two pre-season games, losing 5-4 to the Los Angeles Galaxy and beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 while in California. Toronto defeated Austin FC 2-1 on Wednesday.

Toronto is finishing up camp in Austin ahead of its Feb. 26 season opener at FC Dallas. TFC plays Houston on Wednesday in its penultimate pre-season game.

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{allcanada} Canada's Auger-Aliassime through to Rotterdam Open final with win over Rublev

 

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime booked his spot in the final at the Rotterdam Open with a 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-2 win over Andrey Rublev of Russia on Saturday.

The 21-year-old from Montreal saved all seven break points he faced across the two hour, 21 minute match, and fired 11 aces for the win.

The duo were locked in a tight battle across the first set, with the No. 3-seeded Russian saving all seven of his break points, before Auger-Aliassime pulled away in the second set, winning seven-of-nine net points.

The No. 2-seeded Canadian dominated in the third set, converting two-of-five break points to clinch the victory.

Auger-Aliassime will now face the top-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the final.

The pair have met seven times on the ATP Tour, with Tsitsipas taking five wins, including a victory in the quarterfinals at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati last year.

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{allcanada} WHL roundup: Broncos grab OT win over Wheat Kings

 

BRANDON, Man. — The Broncos needed an overtime winner to overcome the Wheat Kings on Friday night.

Cole Nagy had a goal and an assist in the win for the Broncos (16-23-4-1).

Chad Nychuk finished with a goal and two assists for the Wheat Kings (21-15-2-2).

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WARRIORS 3, RAIDERS 1

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - A dominant first period helped carry Moose Jaw to a 3-1 win over Prince Albert.

Maximus Warner grabbed the opener and an assist on the insurance goal for the Warriors (25-17-3-1).

Reece Vitelli had the consolation goal for the Raiders (16-24-1-1).

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PATS 5, HITMEN 0

REGINA, Sask. - Regina blanked their Calgary opponents on their way to a 5-0 win on Friday night.

Connor Bedard had a hat-trick in the Pats' (16-22-1-1) win.

Ethan Buenaventura stopped 28 of 33 in the loss for the Hitmen (18-17-5-2).

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BLADES 4, HURRICANES 1

SASKATOON, Sask. - Brandon Lisowsky netted one goal and set up another as Saskatoon beat Lethbridge on Friday.

Nolan Maier stopped 29 of 30 shots for the Blades (24-16-1-1) in the win.

Tyson Laventure had the consolation goal for Lethbridge (18-19-2-1).

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OIL KINGS 4, REBELS 0

RED DEER, Alta. - Edmonton blanked their Albertan rivals on the way to a shutout win.

Justin Sourdif had two goals in the win for the Oil Kings (32-11-2-1).

It's the second straight loss for the Rebels (29-14-2-1).

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BLAZERS 6, AMERICANS 1

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - A strong opening frame led the Kamloops Blazers to a 6-1 win over the Tri-City Americans.

Both Luke Toporowski and Logan Stankoven had two goals apiece in the win for the Blazers (31-12-1-0).

Samuel Huo had the consolation goal for the Americans (13-25-4-0).

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GIANTS 4, COUGARS 1

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - Ty Thorpe netted two goals as Vancouver beat Prince George on Friday night.

Despite the win, Vancouver (16-23-2-0) was outshot every period by their opponents.

Carter MacAdams had the consolation goal for Prince George (18-23-2-1).

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ROCKETS 4, SILVERTIPS 3

KELOWNA, B.C. - Kelowna needed a shootout to beat their Washington counterparts on Friday.

Colton Dach had a goal and an assist in the win for the Rockets (24-11-1-3).

Olen Zellweger had a goal and two assists in the loss for Everett (33-7-2-2).

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WINTERHAWKS 8, CHIEFS 1

SPOKANE, Wash. - Despite going zero for six on the powerplay, the Portland Winterhawks dominated the Spokane Chiefs on Friday night.

Cross Hanas had a hat-trick in the win for Portland (28-11-3-2) who stretched their winning streak to 11 straight.

Erik Atchison had the consolation goal for Spokane (12-26-3-1).

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THUNDERBIRDS 6, ROYALS 1

VICTORIA, B.C. - Lukas Svejkovsky and Reid Schaefer scored two goals apiece in a 6-1 win for Seattle over Victoria.

Thomas Milic stopped 14 of 15 shots for Seattle (25-11-4-1).

Brayden Schuurman had the consolation goal for Victoria (12-26-4-1).

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