National Sports

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard departed Friday night’s game against New Jersey after he was leveled by Devils defenseman Brendan Smith in the first period.

LONDON, Ont. — Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan produced a goal and two assists as the London Knights defeated the Barrie Colts 6-2 on Friday night in the Ontario Hockey League.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard departed after he was leveled in the first period of a 4-2 loss to Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils on Friday night.

VICTORIAVILLE, Que. — Sam Oliver had two goals and an assist as the Western Conference-leading Drummondville Voltigeurs defeated the Victoriaville Tigres 6-2 on Friday night in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

EDMONTON — McLeod Bethel-Thompson is returning to the CFL. A league source said Friday night the veteran American quarterback had agreed to a one-year deal with the Edmonton Elks.

American running back Willie Bethea, who led the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to three Grey Cup wins during his eight seasons with the CFL club, has died. He was 85. The Ticats took to social media Friday to confirm Bethea's passing.

NEWARK, N.J. — Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard left Friday night's game against the New Jersey Devils after receiving an open-ice hit from defenceman Brendan Smith. The Blackhawks announced Bedard would not return.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Robbie Ray was traded from Seattle to San Francisco on Friday for outfielder Mitch Haniger and pitcher Anthony DeSclafani in a swap of underperforming players coming off injuries.

GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Rutger McGroarty and his teammates remembered the empty feeling. They wanted to return the favour on their bitter rival's home soil.

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — A judge on Friday ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and gave her mother a car and t