National Sports

In an abrupt about-face at the behest of broadcast partner ESPN, the UFC has postponed UFC 249 and all future scheduled shows due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

TORONTO — Pat Stapleton, a longtime NHL defenceman who famously kept an air of mystery over whether he possessed the puck from the goal that won the 1972 Summit Series, has died. He was 79.

TORONTO — Auston Matthews has been wheeling around his property in Arizona on rollerblades trying to stay in shape.

Toronto sports figures from Mitch Marner to Michael Bradley have joined forces with Mayor John Tory in a video urging people to "come together by staying home" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hamilton has a choice between poetry and a slam dunk. Canada's candidate city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games has been asked to consider a bid for 2026 instead because of a global dearth of cities interested in the latter.

TORONTO — Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave remains in a medically-induced coma at a Toronto hospital after suffering a brain bleed earlier this week.

A list of Canadian international and domestic sporting events impacted by COVID-19: OLYMPICS — 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics postponed until 2021.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed centre Mark Kastelic to a three-year, entry-level contract. Kastelic, 21, recently completed his fifth major junior season for the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen.

TORONTO — Canada will be a spectator when Major League Rugby holds its first ever collegiate draft in June. Canadian players won't be eligible and the Toronto Arrows won't take part in the June 13 and 14 draft.

Curling Canada announced Thursday that the remaining national curling championships on its 2019-20 calendar have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.