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Saturday, July 31, 2021

{allcanada} Higuain records a pair, Inter Miami takes down CF Montreal

 

MIAMI — CF Montreal saw its halftime lead slip away Saturday as it dropped a 2-1 decision to Inter Miami.

Joaquin Torres buried a shot in the 20th minute to put Montreal (6-6-4) up 1-0 in the first half.

But Miami star Gonzalo Higuain dominated after the break, scoring on a penalty kick in the 49th minute and adding a goal from open play in the 69th.

Montreal coach Wilfried Nancy wants his group to play better with the lead.

"Sometimes, it's better not to perform a risky play for nothing when we can do a pass and eliminate many players," he said. "We created some chances and we could have scored to get a better lead earlier. We will keep working on that."

Defender Zorhan Bassong said the result was "a shame."

"We have a style of play. There are situations in which we need to get rid of the ball. But we keep respecting our principles of play," he said. "We learn from our mistakes. I'm frustrated with the loss. For me, it's a game we can't lose."

Montreal outshot Miami 10-8, with two shots on goal. Miami (3-8-3) had four shots on target.

Nick Marsman made one save for Miami and James Pantemis had two saves for Montreal.

Both teams next play Wednesday. Miami visits Orlando City and Montreal hosts Atlanta United.

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{allcanada} Canadiens sign Artturi Lehkonen to one-year, $2.3M contract extension

 

The Montreal Canadiens have agreed to terms with forward Artturi Lehkonen on a one-year contract worth $2.3 million, the team announced Saturday.

A second-round pick by the Canadiens in 2013, Lehkonen scored seven goals and added six assists in 47 games last season.

The 26-year-old was a valuable contributor to the team's Cup Final run, scoring three goals -- including an overtime-winner -- and adding one assist.

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{allcanada} Foegele signs three-year, $8.25 million contract with Oilers

 

Warren Foegele signed a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. It has an average annual value of $2.75 million.

The 25-year-old forward, who was a restricted free agent, was acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 28 for defenseman Ethan Bear.

"At the end of the year, [the Hurricanes and I] had some honest conversations with each other and you never know what's going to happen next but what I do know is that I'm extremely thrilled to be with the Oilers," Foegele said when he was acquired.

Foegele scored 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 53 regular-season games and two points (one goal, one assist) in 10 playoff games last season.

"He comes from a really good program," Oilers general manager Ken Holland said. "In Carolina, they've done a lot of winning the last two or three years; they've been a good regular-season team, they went to the final four a couple of years ago. He's a big, strong guy (6-foot-2, 198 pounds), he can skate, he goes to the blue paint, he's dependable."

Selected by Carolina in the third round (No. 67) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Foegele has scored 68 points (35 goals, 33 assists) in 200 NHL games and 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 33 playoff games.

Foegele said he trains with several Oilers players in the offseason, including forwards Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman and Devin Shore, and defenseman Darnell Nurse.

"It's definitely exciting to have some familiar faces to be with once I get down to Edmonton," Foegele said.

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Friday, July 30, 2021

{allcanada} CFL, Alouettes confirm Montreal co-owner Spiegel has passed away

 

MONTREAL — The COVID-19 pandemic robbed the Montreal Alouettes of a 2020 season and co-owner Sidney Spiegel the chance to see his franchise play.

Spiegel died Wednesday in Toronto. Both the Alouettes and CFL confirmed Siegel's passing in separate statements Friday.

Spiegel's age wasn't divulged. But he was listed as being 89 when he and Gary Stern purchased the Alouettes from the CFL in January 2020.

Stern was not only Spiegel's business partner but also his son-in-law.

The CFL purchased the Alouettes in May 2019. The club had been previously owned by American businessman Robert Wetenhall from 1997 to the time of its sale to the league.

Wetenhall was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

But Spiegel never had the chance to see his club play. The CFL cancelled the 2020 campaign due to the global pandemic and is scheduled to kick off a 14-game '21 regular season Aug. 5.

Montreal will play its opening contest Aug. 14 in Edmonton.

"It's unfortunate, it really is," Alouettes head coach Khari Jones told reporters during a video conference Friday. "I really feel for him and his family.

"I'm really grateful they took this on with the challenge of owning a football team. It makes me want to work that much harder to make sure they see the fruits of their labour, they see this team do what they're supposed to do. I know his family will still be there and be watching along and I feel like he'll be watching as well."

Stern had emerged as the face of the Alouettes franchise as Spiegel remained in the background.

Spiegel began his company, Crawford Steel, in 1944 originally as a small scrap yard that dealt in discarded metal and other materials. The company website says Stern came aboard in 1977 and the operation now consists of one scrap yard and 17 distribution centres.

"The Canadian Football League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Montreal Alouettes co-owner Sid Spiegel," the league said in its statement. "Sid and his son-in-law Gary Stern made a strong commitment to one of our great franchises at an important time in its history and have tackled the challenge and opportunity before them with passion and enthusiasm.

"We regret we did not have the time to know Sid better, this giant of a man and true entrepreneur who built a business empire with legendary drive and intelligence, and a family that now includes children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our condolences go out to those who knew him best and loved him deeply, and to everyone positively touched by his remarkable life, which certainly includes all of us in the CFL family."

Added the Alouettes: "He will be in our hearts every game."

Jones guided Montreal to a 10-8 record in 2019, his first year as head coach. He said he had a closer association with Stern but always knew of Spiegel's presence within the organization.

"I didn't have a major relationship with (Spiegel) but we always knew he was there, we always knew what his thoughts were through Gary," Jones said.

Spiegel is survived by his wife, Naomi, four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

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{allcanada} Former CFLer Shell dead at 39

 

Former CFL all-star defensive back Lin-J Shell has passed away at age 39.

All of the teams he played for over seven seasons - Toronto, BC, Calgary and Winnipeg - tweeted their condolences about the news on Thursday evening.

He was named Toronto's Most Outstanding Rookie in 2009, and earned league all-star selections the following two seasons.

He won a Grey Cup title with the Stampeders in 2014 and finished his career with the Blue Bombers the following year.

The Orlando, Florida native then retired to his home state to be a teacher and coach football.

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{allcanada} Argos sign LB Diggs, WR Phillips

 

The Toronto Argonauts announced the signing of a pair of American players on Friday, inking linebacker Vontae Diggs and wide receiver Cam Phillips to contracts.

Diggs, 25, was Edmonton's nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie in 2019 after he registered 73 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception in 18 games for the Elks.

Phillips. 25, most recently spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during 2021 training camp. He was also a member of the NFL's Carolina Panthers prior to the 2020 season. Philips led the XFL in receiving yards with 455 and nine touchdowns in five games for the Houston Roughnecks prior to the suspension of the season.

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{allcanada} Habs hire Raymond as goalie coach

 

The Montreal Canadiens announced Friday that Éric Raymond has been hired as goalie coach with the team.

Raymond, 49, served as goaltending coach with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack from 2016-17 through 2019-20, in addition to a goaltending development consultant role with the New York Rangers during the same period.

The Montreal native coached in the CHL, including with the Halifax Mooseheads between 2010 and 2018 alongside current Habs head coach Dominique Ducharme and with the Montreal Junior in 2008-09.

"I worked closely with Éric for many years. Along with being an excellent communicator, he has a modern approach and emphasizes modern techniques. He creates genuine chemistry with his goaltenders and has an excellent track record. Éric also has a lot of experience at all levels, most notably on the international scene. I'm excited about his addition to our group," said Ducharme.

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{allcanada} Maple Leafs sign forward Ondrej Kase to one-year $1.25M deal

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have inked forward Ondrej Kase to a one-year deal worth $1.25 million, the club announced Friday.

The 25-year-old, a 20-goal-scorer with the Anaheim Ducks just a few years ago, spent the past season and a half with the Bruins after being flipped to Boston in the deal that sent David Backes to Anaheim.

Hampered by injuries, Kase suited up for only nine games as a Bruin over the past two campaigns, posting one assist in that span.

He was not qualified by the Bruins earlier this month, leaving him open to an acquisition by a new club.

Originally a seventh-round pick back in 2014, Kase has 97 total points through 207 career NHL tilts.

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{allcanada} Gretzky credits Barkley for decision to join Turner Sports NHL coverage

Wayne Gretzky said his decision to join Turner Sports as an NHL studio analyst beginning this season was due in large part to a primary assist from TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley.

"Charles Barkley is a good friend, and he called me every single day and said, 'This will be fun for you'," Gretzky told Sportsnet 590 in Toronto on Friday, "and ultimately I decided, OK, this is something I've got to try and I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be exciting."

Barkley, a Basketball Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star, has a reputation for speaking his mind on NBA telecasts on TNT, but Gretzky said he has no intention of following suit.

"There's only one Charles Barkley, right?" the leading scorer in NHL history said. "You have to be yourself, and when I met with TNT and talked to them about being involved in hockey ... it doesn't matter where I go, people ask me questions and ask me about my opinion about the game or about players and about the sport, and I'm the most positive person in the world.

"I love everything about our game, and I told everyone at Turner and Charles, 'Look, I'm not a controversial guy. I'm not going to be that guy that's going to be so negative on players. I'm the exact opposite, so if you're looking for that guy, I'm not the right guy.'

"People have said to me ... what are you going to do, what are you going to be like? I'm going to be Wayne Gretzky. I'm going to be forthright. I feel like I know the game, I feel like I respect the game and I'm just really excited about being part of it again."

Gretzky reached a multiyear agreement with Turner Sports on May 26. He will provide analysis on TNT and TBS broadcasts during key moments in the regular season and throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

One day earlier, he resigned from his role as a partner and vice chairman with the Edmonton Oilers. He worked in the front office for five seasons after joining Oilers Entertainment Group on Oct. 12, 2016.

Gretzky played his first nine NHL seasons for the Oilers, helping them win the Stanley Cup four times, before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings on Aug. 9, 1988. He retired April 18, 1999, after 20 NHL seasons with the Oilers, Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, as a 10-time Art Ross Trophy winner given to the leading scorer in the NHL, a nine-time recipient of the Hart Trophy voted as NHL most valuable player, and two-time winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy voted as MVP of the playoffs.

Gretzky's No. 99 was retired throughout the League prior to the 2000 NHL All-Star Game. He holds or shares 61 NHL records and scored 2,857 points (894 goals, 1,963 assists). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 22, 1999.

The NHL and Turner Sports announced a seven-year media rights agreement April 27 that will have regular-season and postseason games televised on TNT and TBS starting next season and running through 2027-28. Turner Sports will televise all games in the Stanley Cup Final in 2023, 2025 and 2027, one conference final series each season, and half of the first two rounds of the playoffs, plus 72 regular-season games per season including the NHL Winter Classic, the annual New Year's Day outdoor game, in each of the seven seasons of the deal.

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{allcanada} White House, Canada state support for new Detroit River span

 

DETROIT (AP) — The White House and Canada issued a joint statement of support for a commuter bridge that when completed will span the Detroit River, connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

The statement issued Thursday calls the Gordie Howe International Bridge "a top infrastructure priority" for both governments.

"We're committed to continuing our support to ensure the project's state-of-the-art ports of entry are fully funded so vehicles can begin crossing the architecturally stunning cable-stayed structure once completed for the benefit of our shared prosperity," the statement read.

It comes as U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican senators try to work out a compromise over a nearly $1 trillion infrastructure package. Seventeen GOP senators joined all Democrats in voting this week to start a debate to consider the bill. The plan includes $550 billion in new spending beyond the typical highway and public works accounts.

"This full-throated support of this vital bridge comes as President Biden and Congress continue to make progress on bipartisan and significant investment in transportation and other infrastructure," Michigan Gov. Whitmer said in her own statement. "The ongoing construction of this bridge has created jobs on both sides of the border, and will continue to spur economic development for many years to come. This bridge also affirms Michigan's ongoing partnership with Canada, the top purchaser of U.S. goods among countries."

In 2012, then-Gov. Rick Snyder and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper struck a deal calling for Canada to pay for the bridge after the Republican governor ran into opposition in the GOP-led Legislature.

The $4.4 billion ($5.7 billion Canadian) six-lane, span is expected to open in late 2024. It's named for Gordie Howe, a native of Canada and hockey legend who starred for the Detroit Red Wings.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the Detroit-Windsor, Ontario, corridor was the busiest commercial land crossing on the U.S.-Canada border, handling more than 30% of truck-hauled trade. The privately owned Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel are the only current commuter crossings between the cities.

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Thursday, July 29, 2021

{allcanada} Canadiens agree to terms with Mathieu Perreault on one-year contract

 

Veteran forward Mathieu Perreault is returning to his home province agreeing to a one-year contract worth $950,000 with the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

The 33-year-old from Drummondville, Que., had nine goals and 10 assists in 56 regular season games plus one goal and one assist in eight playoff games last season with the Winnipeg Jets.

Perreault, picked 177th overall by Washington in 2006, has 139 goals and 204 assists in 683 regular season games over 13 seasons with the Capitals, Anaheim Ducks and Jets.

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{allcanada} Oilers provide depth for McDavid, Draisaitl with free agent additions

 

The Edmonton Oilers used NHL free agency to add depth while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are in their prime.

On Wednesday, the Oilers added three unrestricted free agents, signing forward Zach Hyman to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract ($5.5 million average annual value), center Derek Ryan to a two-year, $2.5 million contract ($1.25 million AAV) and defenseman Cody Ceci to a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million AAV).

Edmonton also acquired forward Warren Foegele in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes for defenseman Ethan Bear and re-signed defenseman Tyson Barrie to a three-year, $13.5 million contract ($4.5 million AAV).

"I felt going into the offseason I needed to do a couple of things to try to change our team, make our team better, different," general manager Ken Holland said. "We were pretty good but not good enough, but hopefully the moves we've made so far, along with the growth of some of the young players I've talked about, can allow us to kind of continue along that path."

Hyman is a top-six forward who played with elite forwards with the Toronto Maple Leafs, including Auston Matthews. Ryan, who played for the Calgary Flames the past three seasons, and Foegele provide experience in the bottom six. Barrie and Ceci, who played last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, are top-four defensemen who produce offensively.

Edmonton (35-19-2) finished second behind Toronto in the seven-team Scotia North Division last season but was swept by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

McDavid has led the NHL in scoring in three of his six seasons, including last season, when the center scored 105 points (33 goals, 72 assists) in 56 games. The 24-year-old has won the Hart Trophy voted as NHL most valuable player twice, in 2016-17 and last season.

Draisaitl has played seven NHL seasons, winning the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy (most points in NHL) in 2019-20. The 25-year-old forward was second behind McDavid with 84 points (31 goals, 53 assists) in 56 games last season.

The Oilers have been to the postseason three times since McDavid entered the NHL in 2015-16, advancing into the second round once, after they defeated the San Jose Sharks in six games in the 2017 Western Conference First Round.

Defenseman Darnell Nurse was seventh in voting for the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL last season, when the 26-year-old scored 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 56 games.

"Obviously, we've got an incredible core that's really coming into their prime years, so I felt a responsibility, obligation as the manager to try to build a little bit deeper supporting cast as we head into this season," Holland said.

Barrie returns to the Oilers after playing on a one-year, $3.75 million contract after one season with the Maple Leafs. He led NHL defensemen with 48 points (eight goals, 40 assists) in 56 games.

"I believe in this group, and we've got the best player in the world (McDavid) and a guy who on any given night is also the best player in the world (Draisaitl)," Barrie said. "That's a great crew to build around. It was a bit of a no-brainer again to come back to a place where I had success. Obviously, it didn't go the way we wanted at the end of the year, but I believe we're a good team and we're not that far off."

Hyman, who is likely to get an opportunity to play with McDavid on the top line, said joining a team with a chance to win was high among his priorities.

"Last year, playing in Toronto, we played Edmonton a bunch, and I just see so much opportunity and a chance to win the Stanley Cup with the players they have there," Hyman said. "That opportunity, and the city and the passion and the fan base, I'm just so excited to be joining an organization like Edmonton and I can't wait to get started."

Hyman scored 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 43 games with the Maple Leafs last season, including seven (four goals, three assists) in nine games against the Oilers.

Last season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the third among Oilers forwards with 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 52 games. Hyman will help balance the offensive production among the top six forwards.

"I've gotten to know Connor a little bit," Hyman said. "The last couple of days I've started to train and get to know him and Darnell a little bit, so that's been great. Those two players, having played against them this year more so than ever, you realize how special they are and how much they can change a game.

"[McDavid] is a special player, he's a generational-type player. For me, I've gotten the opportunity to play with great players in the past. For me, it's about bringing my work ethic every day, being consistent and trying to create as much space as I can for the guys that I play with. With Connor, he's a guy that takes advantage of space, his speed is off the charts, and if I can create space for him, I think everybody in the world knows what he's capable of doing."

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{allcanada} SpringHill, DreamCrew And Uninterrupted Canada Team For Hockey Doc ‘Black Ice’, With Drake And LeBron James Exec Producing

LeBron James' SpringHill Company, Drake's DreamCrew Entertainment and Uninterrupted Canada are teaming up on the documentary Black Ice, an in-depth look at the experience of Black hockey players.

James, his business partner Maverick Carter and Drake are all aboard as executive producers, as is Adel "Future" Nur. Uninterrupted Canada is taking the lead on the project.

The feature-length film, which is currently in production, chronicles the history, influence and racial dimensions of Black players on the ice. It covers the decades from the creation of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes through the modern-day NHL.

Bell Media has exclusive Canadian distribution rights to Black Ice, which will be carried on TSN, Crave and CTV platforms. Elevation Pictures will handle theatrical distribution in Canada. Discussions are ongoing with potential U.S. and international distribution partners.

DreamCrew Entertainment, a subsidiary of DreamCrew, is a film and TV production co-venture between Drake and Future whose credits include HBO's Euphoria and Netflix's Top Boy.

Uninterrupted Canada, an international extension of SpringHill's "athlete empowerment" division, was co-founded by CEO Scott Moore and Chief Content Officer Vinay Virmani, in partnership with Drake, the multi-platform rapper and producer. Virmani, whose past work includes titles like Breakaway and The Grizzlies, is a producer on Black Ice.

"This project presents a rich opportunity to explore a remarkable part of sports history," Virmani said. "Despite the hardships and struggles, this story is about resilience and how society views itself today while offering a path forward to a more equitable and inclusive future."

Hubert Davis, whose credits include the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated Hardwood as well as films like Giants of Africa, is directing Black Ice.

"I was not only surprised but inspired to learn about the stories of the often overlooked and unheralded black pioneers of hockey," Davis said. "I think it is more important than ever before for all generations, particularly young people of color, to understand and see the diverse faces who have contributed and shaped one the essential fabrics of our country."

The SpringHill Company, founded by James and Carter, has ramped up its production activity of late, with output deals for TV and film at Disney and Universal, respectively. Its most recent release is this month's Space Jam: A New Legacy, which stars James. The company has held talks recently with investors interested in taking a stake valuing the company in the $750 million range.

Black Ice follows Uninterrupted Canada longform projects Anything is Possible and Family First: Meet the Nurses. Parlay – The Fred VanVleet Story, about the Toronto Raptors player, is now in pre-production.

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{allcanada} Lionsgate Looks To Replicate ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Success With Canadian Comedy ‘Son Of A Critch’ Starring Mark Critch, Malcolm McDowell & Benjamin Evan Ainsworth

Son of a Critch

Lionsgate has teamed with Canadian broadcaster CBC to bring comedy series Son of a Critch to the U.S. and the world.

The 13-part series comes from Schitt's Creek producer Andrew Barnsley and comedian Mark Critch, and Lionsgate is hoping that it can replicate the success of the Emmy-winning Canadian comedy, which it brought to the U.S. via Pop TV.

Lionsgate will handle U.S. and international distribution rights.

The half-hour series is based on Critch's memoir Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir and he will star alongside Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Malcolm McDowell, Claire Rankin and newcomers Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera. Son of a Critch, which has just started production, is the story of 11-year-old Mark coming of age in St. John's, Newfoundland in the '80s, a boy much older inside than his 11 years – using comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world.

Critch, who created the series with The Office and MacGruber writer Tim McAuliffe, plays his own father with Ainsworth is the young Mark. Ainsworth is currently starring in Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor and plays Pinocchio opposite Tom Hanks in Disney's upcoming live-action remake of the classic for director Robert Zemeckis.

Rankin (Molly's Game) has been cast as Mark's mother, Mary, with Powers and Rivera as classmates of young Mark. McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) plays Pop.

The series will launch on CBC TV and CBC Gem in January 2022.

It is produced by Barnsley's Project 10 Productions Inc. and Newfoundland-based Take the Shot Productions in association with CBC and Lionsgate Television, and executive produced by Critch, McAuliffe, Barnsley, Ben Murray and Allan Hawco. Renuka Jeyapalan and Anita Kapila serve as co-executive producers with Jeyapalan directing the first four episodes of the series.

"I'm thrilled to kick off production on Son of a Critch with such a talented young actor like Benjamin playing my kid self," said Critch. "Everyone working on the project is incredibly supportive of my vision and, with world-class partners like Lionsgate and CBC, I know my story is in the best hands."

"I've been listening to the hilarious stories of Mark's youth in Newfoundland for years, and it's amazing to now be a part of bringing them to life on screen," said McAuliffe.

"We're excited to reunite with Andrew and his incredible team at Project 10, led by President Ben Murray, and to be working with Tim and comedy genius Mark Critch in bringing his hilarious and heartfelt life story to television screens," added Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs and president of Lionsgate Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. "Son of a Critch is clever and entertaining with all the elements of a premium comedy series that will resonate with audiences in the U.S. and abroad."

Ainsworth is represented by ICM Partners, Mark Jermin Management and Alan Siegel Entertainment. McDowell is represented by Chris Roe Management.

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{allcanada} Lightning sign veteran Corey Perry to two-year contract

 

If you can't beat them -- twice -- join them.

That's the path Corey Perry has chosen after losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. The veteran right winger has agreed to a two-year contract with the Lightning, according to Frank Seravalli.

The 36-year-old Perry is coming off back-to-back 21 point seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars. He had four goals and 10 points in 22 playoff games with the Canadiens this spring.

The Canadiens and Stars both reportedly had shown interest in bringing Perry back to their teams, but a two-year deal with the defending champions proved too good to pass up.

Perry is joining his fourth team in four seasons after being bought out by the Anaheim Ducks in 2019. In 1,094 career games over 16 seasons, Perry has 386 goals and 818 points.

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Wednesday, July 28, 2021

{allcanada} Rapids acquire Canadian F Kaye from LAFC

 

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids acquired Canadian international midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye in a million-dollar deal with Los Angeles FC on Tuesday.

The Rapids sent LAFC US$1 million in general allocation money and a 2022 international roster slot, getting Kaye and a first-round pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft in return. LAFC will also receive additional general allocation money if Kaye reaches certain performance incentives.

The 26-year-old from Toronto is currently with Canada at the Gold Cup.

"We're thrilled to welcome Mark-Anthony to the club and reinforce our midfield with a player of his quality," Rapids GM Padraig Smith said in a statement. "He's been one of the best central midfielders in the league over the last several years and has played a critical role in the success of the teams he's been a part of.

"We look forward to seeing him integrate with our group as we enter the second half of the season and continue our push for a playoff spot."

Colorado (7-4-3) currently sits fourth in the western Conference, two points ahead of LAFC (6-5-4).

Kaye signed with LAFC in February 2018 after two years with Louisville City FC in the United Soccer League. Coming through the Toronto FC academy, he also played for two years at York University.

He played 79 regular-season and playoff games for LAFC, starting 72 of those. He was a 2019 MLS all-star selection.

"Mark has been an incredible player and ambassador for LAFC since he helped launch this club in 2018," LAFC GM John Thorrington said in a statement. "He has grown into a leader on and off the field and will always be remembered as a fundamental building block of our club."

Kaye has two goals and six assists in 23 appearances for Canada. He and Stephen Eustaquio have been key midfielders for the Canadian men at the CONCACAF championship.

Off the pitch, Kaye serves on the MLS Players Association executive board and is a member of Black Players for Change.

Kaye's 77 regular-season matches rank fourth in LAFC history. His 71 starts and 17 career assists are third for the club.

General allocation money is money that available to an MLS club in addition to its salary budget. In 2021, that basic allotment was $1,525,000 per team.

Allocation money can be used a variety of ways, including reducing a player's salary budget charge.

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