National Sports

TORONTO — It looks like Canada will slip out of the top six in CONCACAF when the new FIFA rankings come out later this month.

Canada's men's baseball team will be in Group B with Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela at the WBSC Americas Olympic qualifier next March, with the top finisher of the eight-team tournament earning a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Games.

All that's certain Sunday is one team will end a lengthy Grey Cup drought. Winnipeg and Hamilton will square off for CFL bragging rights at McMahon Stadium.

Ron Francis spoke at a conference in downtown Toronto this week a few blocks from where NHL general managers were holding one of their annual meetings.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jimmie Johnson is the latest NASCAR superstar to climb out of his car, with the seven-time champion announcing Wednesday that 2020 will be his final season of full-time racing.

NEW YORK — Washington Capitals forward Garnet Hathaway has been suspended three games for spitting on an opponent. The NHL announced Hathaway’s suspension Wednesday after a hearing with him. He will forfeit $24,194 in salary.

WINNIPEG — A casual bet about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers getting the ultimate Canadian Football League win has left one of their most dedicated fans in shorts for the past 18 years.

TARRAGONA, Spain — Canadian golfer Aaron Cockerill has earned a European Tour playing card for the 2019-20 season. The native of Stony Mountain, Man.

Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan will be away from the team indefinitely while taking part in the NHL/National Hockey League Players' Association assistance program. The NHL and NHLPA made the announcement Wednesday.

TORONTO — The Professional Women's Hockey Association's Dream Gap Tour is returning to Toronto.