Pinterest: Celebrity sightings at NBA Christmas games

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. The Lakers won 100-94. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Comedian Richard Lewis attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. The Lakers won 100-94. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls during a Christmas Day game on December 25, 2012 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Gary Dineen/Getty Images)

Jeremy Lin, left, and Donatas Motiejunas of the Houston Rockets present patients of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago with presents prior to the start of a Christmas Day game against the Chicago Bulls on December 25, 2012 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Gary Dineen/Getty Images)

Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat plays defence against Thabo Sefolosha #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during a Christmas Day game on December 25, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Issac Baldizon/Getty Images)

Producer Lou Adler poses for a photograph after putting on new shoes during halftime of a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Actor Samuel L. Jackson attends a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Recording artists Chris Brown and Rihanna attend a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

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Former NBA player Willie Naulls attends a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Actor Lawrence Fishburne, centre, attends a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Comedian George Lopez smiles for a photograph during a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers battle for positioning at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Steve Nash #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers hands gifts to a child before taking on the New York Knicks at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

The Brooklyn Knight of the Brooklyn Nets distributes gifts to fans during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 25, 2012 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Ray Amati/Getty Images)

Recording artist and actress Darlene Love sings at halftime during the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics game on December 25, 2012 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Ray Amati/Getty Images)

Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics defends against Deron Williams #8 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on December 25, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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Ryder wins Conacher Award as male athlete of the year

Don't tell Ryder Hesjedal he won the Giro d'Italia on the last day.

His victorious ride lasted 91 hours 39 minutes two seconds over 21 stages, covering 3,503.8 kilometres from Herning, Denmark, to Milan.

It took 23 days in May — there were two rest days — and the help of every one of his Garmin-Sharp teammates and support staff for Hesjedal to become the first Canadian racer to win a Grand Tour event and only the second non-European to win the Giro.

His journey from peloton to podium took him more than a dozen years as a pro, from mountain biker to road racer.

And now it has led him to the Lionel Conacher Award, the first cyclist to be named Canadian Press male athlete of the year.

"An incredible honour," the soft-spoken Hesjedal said from his off-season home in Hawaii.

"I finished 2011, I got married to my beautiful wife (Ashley) and I was just focused on that goal — taking a crack at the Giro and knowing that deep down I have the capacity for three-week racing," he added.

"For the season to unfold the way it did in the spring and have that perfect run really, in respect to my training was just right, I didn't get sick, I had no setbacks. To arrive at the Giro and have it unfold the way it did, I had the opportunity to show myself and that's what athletes dream of."

The award is named after the multi-sport athlete who was chosen Canada's athlete of the half-century. The winner of the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada's female athlete of the year will be announced Thursday.

Hesjedal finished with 139 points and 32 first-place votes in balloting of sports editors and broadcasters across the country. Tennis star Milos Raonic was runner-up with 131 points and 26 first-place votes.

Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish was third (87, 14), followed by Tampa Bay Lightning sniper Steven Stamkos (69, 12) and figure skater Patrick Chan (68, 11).

"Ryder Hesjedal put himself, and Canadian cycling, on the world stage with his historic victory in the Giro d'Italia," said Yahoo's Steve McAllister.

Cycling has taken its share of body blows this year with Lance Armstrong's spectacular fall from grace after an avalanche of affidavits over rampant doping in his team.

But voters around the world have singled out cyclists from the sport's current crop for their efforts.

In addition to Canadian media honouring Hesjedal, Tour de France winner and Olympic time trial champion Bradley Wiggins was recently named the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. And Tom Boonen was chosen Belgium's Sportsman of the Year.

Given what has come to light about the sport's past, Hesjedal says "it's even more crucial to recognize the achievements of now."

Whatever happens in 2013, Hesjedal has already earned his place on the Giro honour roll alongside legends like Miguel Indurain, Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil.

The 32-year-old from Victoria will wear the No. 1 bib as he opens defence of his Giro title on May 4.

"Only the strongest will wear the pink (jersey)," says the official race promo. "This is Giro d'Italia. The toughest race in the world's most beautiful place."

Team officials looked at the 2012 Giro and saw the course was suited for Hesjedal, who is able to retain much of his power over a three-week race while others break down.

So they tailored his pre-Giro schedule to prepare him for the first Grand Tour of the Season.

The strategy worked. Hesjedal wore the pink leader's jersey after Stages 7, 8, 9, 14 and, most importantly, 21.

He auctioned one off for charity after the race but says "I've got a few pink jerseys still in hand. And definitely that trophy is sitting in (his home in) Spain and it's a pretty nice addition to the living room."

He trailed Spaniard Joaquin Rodriguez by 31 seconds going into the final 28.2-kilometre individual time trial. He ended up winning by 16 seconds.

"I still think a lot of people don't really understand," he said of stage racing. "You see stuff (like) 'He won it on the last day.' Like things just get decided that simply.

"You're winning it every moment, over every kilometre for three weeks. It's just incredible. There's not really anything like it. Really, to be a Grand Tour winner, it's a very small club and it's a very elite club and I'm very grateful for that.

"I couldn't have done it without the support of my team and my family and my friends and the fans and everyone over the years and years. It's just a culmination of years and years of work."

After the Giro, Hesjedal entered the Tour de France feeling fresh. But he was caught up in a large crash on the sixth stage. Teammate David Millar called it "the scariest crash I've ever been in."

Hesjedal started the day in ninth place, just 18 seconds back, and finished it in 108th spot, more than 13 minutes in arrears. He pulled out the next day with a left leg and hip injury.

He returned to his home in Spain and amazingly hardly missed a day on the bike as he worked his way back into fitness ahead of the Olympic Games.

At six foot two and 159 pounds, Hesjedal is a tall drink of water who looks younger than his years and has a distinct sense of style. He arrived in London for the Games wearing plaid shorts, colourful runners, a Canada jacket, red sunglasses and a smile.

Without the benefit of any Canadian teammates, he finished 63rd in the London road race. He was 28th in the 44-kilometre time trial.

"Really the whole season went really well for me," he said. "I carried on after a small break in August and went right to the middle of October, doing the last World Tour races on the calendar.

"So there wasn't a lot of time to just sit back ... Definitely there's a little bit more demand on my time, certainly with the team and sponsors and taking advantage of that (Giro) result and using it in a good way."

Still, he says he's tried to keep things the same as much as possible.

"Because that's how I'm here today and was able to do that. I've kept my routine very similar, especially my off-season and how I approach getting to the New Year."

Hesjedal plans to begin his racing season at Spain's Tour of Catalonia.

"That's mid-March and then I basically don't let up right into the Giro," he said.

Job 1 is his Giro defence.

"Definitely. It just has to be that way," he said. "It's before the Tour, we respect the Giro very much. I have to honour that and I want to. To go back there after what the Giro did for me, what the Giro's given to me, that's the ultimate respect and that's what I want to do.

"I want to be there with the No. 1 bib and try and do it again. I know no matter what happens, I can still move into the rest of the season and benefit from that."

He also has his eye on the Tour de France, confident that he can emerge from the Giro with the necessary fitness for a second marathon ride.

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Canada crushes Germany to open junior hockey tournament

UFA, Russia — Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and four assists to pace Canada to a 9-3 win over Germany to open the 2013 world junior hockey championship Wednesday.

His linemates Mark Scheifele scored twice, including a short-handed goal, and Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and two assists.

That line consists of players who would have played in the NHL this season if not for the lockout.

Nugent-Hopkins has already played a year for the Edmonton Oilers. Scheifele is a Winnipeg Jets prospect and Huberdeau is Florida Panthers property.

"It's something you hope for when you put a line together like that," Canadian head coach Steve Spott said. "All three of those players have NHL abilities. Tonight they looked real good and that's a positive for the hockey club."

Spott put the trio together for the first skate of selection camp Dec. 11, even though Scheifele is a natural centre now playing right wing.

Canada's other scorers were Ty Rattie, Ryan Strome, Jonathan Drouin and defencemen Xavier Ouellet and Tyler Wotherspoon.

Goaltender Malcolm Subban stopped 25 of 28 shots for the win. Spott indicated the Belleville Bulls netminder will be his starter for the tournament.

"Our plan is to run with Malcolm," the coach said.

Canada (1-0) faces Slovakia on Friday, the United States on Sunday and concludes Pool B play New Year's Eve against host Russia. The host country was to take on the Slovaks in Wednesday's later Pool B game.

Finland opened Pool A action with a 5-1 victory over Latvia with Sweden and the Czech Republic meeting in the late game.

Leonhard Pfoderl countered with a goal and an assist for the Germans. Tobias Rieder plays for the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers, which Spott coaches. Rieder and Nickolas Latta also scored for Germany.

Elmar Trautmann made 37 saves on 46 shots in Germany's net.

Germany earned promotion to the top-tier world junior tournament by winning the Division 1 tournament last year. Their goal is to stay in the main tournament for 2014 and not get relegated again, says Rieder.

"It was pretty special playing against Steve Spott, Canada's coach," the Oilers prospect said. "It was pretty nice to score against Team Canada.

"I think we played really well the first period, but the second and third period, you just saw that Team Canada is a better hockey team."

Drouin of the Halifax Mooseheads was added to Canada's tournament roster just prior to the game.

The 17-year-old had been left off it when lineups were submitted Christmas Day because of a charleyhorse he'd suffered in practice. Spott wanted to leave a spot open on the roster just in case a replacement player was needed.

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Wharnsby: Nugent-Hopkins enjoys impressive debut

The Canadian junior team opened the 2013 World Under-20 Championship with a solid 9-3 win against Germany in Ufa, Russia. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins checked in with five points in his world junior tournament debut.

The weeks and days leading up to the 2013 IIHF world under-20 championship were not kind to the Canadian junior team.

Everett Silvertips defenceman Ryan Murray suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in November. A lack of goal scoring and penalty problems were evident in the team's four exhibition games.

A back injury ended left wing Charles Hudon of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens tournament before Canada played its first game. He was replaced by Mark McNeill of the Prince Albert Raiders.

Boone Jenner made an unnecessary hit in an exhibition game against Sweden on Saturday and as a result was suspended for the first three games of this tournament.

Jonathan Drouin's status was in doubt after the talented 17-year-old Halifax Mooseheads forward suffered a charley horse ailment in a Christmas Day practice. But he recovered in time, scored a third-period goal and set up linemate Ryan Strom for another in the second period of Canada's tournament-opening 9-3 win against Germany on Wednesday.

Canada now has gone a perfect 14-0 in the three world junior tournaments affected by a NHL lockout. Here are five facts from Canada's first win in Ufa, Russia.

1. The big line of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mark Scheifele exhibited plenty of chemistry. They combined for four goals and 10 points. In his first world junior game, Nugent-Hopkins checked in with a goal and five points, which was only two points off the Canadian junior record of seven points in a game.

The 19-year-old Nugent-Hopkins became the 23^rd Canadian junior to record a five-or-more point game in tournament history. Only seven players have registered more points in a game.

7 - Gabriel Bourque Dec. 26/09 vs. Latvia (3 goals, 4 assists)

7 - Mike Cammalleri Dec. 25/01 vs. France (3 goals, 4 assists)

7 - Dave Andreychuk Jan. 4/83 vs. Norway (3 goals 4 assists)

6 - Cody Hodgson Dec. 28/08 vs. Kazakhstan (2 goals, 4 assists)

6 - Jared Aulin Dec. 25/01 vs. France (2 goals, 4 assists)

6 - Mario Lemieux Jan. 4/83 vs. Norway (2 goals, 4 assists)

6 - Wayne Gretzky Dec. 25/77 vs. Czechoslovakia (four goals, two assists)

2. Canadian head coach Steve Spott made Belleville Bulls goalie Malcolm Subban his No. 1 netminder despite a mediocre selection camp and ordinary performances in the exhibition games. Subban, who turned 19 last Friday, made 25 saves.

He was beaten twice on the stick side, but it was a performance for Subban to build on. Subban will start against Slovakia on Friday.

3. Even though this game was only against Germany, the nine goals also were something to build on for the team's offence after scoring only three in exhibition games against Finland and Sweden last week.

Canada saw eight different players score goals: Xavier Ouellet, Nugent-Hopkins, Scheifele (2), Huberdeau, Ty Rattie, Ryan Strome, Drouin and Tyler Wotherspoon

4. The Canadians were better disciplined. They took four minor penalties, but the charging penalty to Anthony Camara was questionable.

Still, there is plenty of work to do and they have another round-robin game against Slovakia on Friday to smooth out the rough edges before the important tests against the United States and Russia on Sunday and Monday.

5. Canada now has a 22-1 record against Germany/West Germany and has outscored the Germans 156-37. Canada's only loss was a 7-6 outcome in 1981.

This German team had six CHLers in its lineup on Wednesday.

G Marvin Cupper (Shawinigan) Did not play

F Nickolas Latta (Sarnia)

F Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert)

F Dominik Kahun (Sudbury)

F Tobias Rieder (Kitchener)

F Sebastian Uvira (Oshawa)

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Wharnsby: Around the dressing room with Canada's juniors

On Wednesday in Ufa, Russia the 2012-13 Canadian junior team will begin its quest to win the program's first gold medal in four years. Here is a tour around the dressing room and some thumbnail sketches on the teenagers who will be representing Canada this year.

On Wednesday in Ufa, Russia the 2012-13 Canadian junior team will begin its quest to win the program's first gold medal in four years.

Here is a tour around the dressing room and some thumbnail sketches on the teenagers who will be representing Canada this year:

Goalies

Jordan Binnington - Owen Sound Attack

Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont.

Age: 19 

Height: 6-2

Weight: 169

NHL rights: St. Louis (2011 3rd round, 88th overall)

2012-13 stats: 17-6-3 2.31 .930

Tidbits: Won 2010-11 OHL championship with the Attack ... He has been a competitive long distance runner.

Malcolm Subban - Belleville Bulls

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-2

Weight: 201

NHL rights: Boston (2012 1st round, 24th overall)

2012-13 stats: 15-7-3 2.17 .932

Tidbits: His brother P.K. plays defence for the Montreal Canadiens and younger brother Jordan is a teammate in Belleville ... He didn't start playing goal until age 12 and has come a long way in seven years.

Defence

Dougie Hamilton - Niagara IceDogs

Hometown: St. Catharines, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-5

Weight: 205

NHL rights: Boston (2011, 1st round, 9th overall)

2012-13 stats: 32 games, 8-33--41 pts.

Tidbits: His father Doug won a bronze medal in men's quadruple sculls (rowing) at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and also competed in 1988 Seoul Olympics ... His mother Lynn was a member of Canadian women's basketball team at 1984 Olympics  ... His brother Freddie is a San Jose prospect ... They became first brothers to play together for Canada at a world junior since Mike and Randy Moller in 1982.

Scott Harrington - London Knights

Hometown: Kingston, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-3

Weight: 200

NHL rights: Pittsburgh (2011 2nd round, 54th overall)

2012-13 stats: 33 games, 1-8--9 pts.

Tidbits: Won OHL championship with Knights last year ... He helps run a fitness class for children in the summer in Kingston.

Ryan Murphy - Kitchener Rangers

Hometown: Aurora, Ont. 

Age: 19

Height: 5-11

Weight: 176

NHL rights: Carolina (2011 1st round, 12th overall).

2012-13 stats: 31 games, 4-18--22 pts.

Tidbits: He plays for head coach Steve Spott in Kitchener ... He's the Rangers captain and was named to OHL second-team all star last season.

Xavier Ouellet - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

Hometown: Terrebone, Que.

Age: 19

Height: 6-1

Weight: 190

NHL rights: Detroit (2011 2nd round, 48th overall)

2012-13 stats: 26 games, 5-20--25 pts.

Tidbits: Born in France, where his father Robert played professional hockey and represented France in 1998 Olympics and three world championships.

Griffin Reinhart - Edmonton Oil Kings

Hometown: West Vancouver, B.C.

Age: 18

Height: 6-4

Weight: 202

NHL rights: N.Y. Islanders (2012 1st round, 4th overall)

2012-13 stats: 31 games 4-10--14 pts.

Tidbits: Son of former NHL defenceman Paul Reinhart ... Older brother Max, a Flames prospect, plays for AHL Abbotsford ... Younger brother Sam plays for WHL Kootenay.

Morgan Rielly - Moose Jaw Warriors

Hometown: West Vancouver, B.C.

Age: 18

Height: 6-0

Weight: 205

NHL rights: Toronto (2012 1st round, 5th overall)

2012-13 stats: 33 games, 7-21--28 pts.

Tidbits: His father Andy played for the BCHL's Surrey Eagles in the mid-1970s ... He met Bobby Orr when he was a kid and that's why he wears No. 4.

Tyler Wotherspoon - Portland Winterhawks

Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

Age: 19

Height: 6-2

Weight: 209

NHL rights: Calgary (2011 2nd round, 57th overall)

2012-13 stats: 29 games, 3-20--23 pts.

Tidbits: He won the B.C. bantam championship in 2008 ... He has played in a whopping 44 playoff games in helping Portland to back-to-back WHL finals.

Forwards

Anthony Camara - Barrie Colts (LW)

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-1

Weight: 194

NHL rights: Boston (2011 3rd round, 81st overall)

2012-13 stats: 30 games, 21-18--37 pts.

Tidbits: First time in Hockey Canada program ... He was an MVP pitcher for High Park Braves.

Phillip Danault - Victoriaville Tigres (C/LW)

Hometown: Victoriaville, Que.

Age: 19

Height: 6-0

Weight: 189

NHL rights: Chicago (2011, 1st round, 26th overall)

2012-13 stats: 29 games, 14-30--44 pts

Tidbits: Played in seven games for AHL Rockford IceHogs at end of last season and picked up two assists.

Jonathan Drouin - Halifax Mooseheads (LW)

Hometown: Huberdeau, Que.

Age: 17

Height: 5-11

Weight: 185

NHL rights: 2013 draft eligible

2012-13 stats: 24 games, 19-29--48 pts.

Tidbits: Trains with Montreal Canadiens draft pick Louis Leblanc ... Before leaving for Canadian selection camp he was seventh in QMJHL scoring race.

Jonathan Huberdeau - Saint John Sea Dogs (LW)

Hometown: St-Jerome, Que.

Age: 19

Height: 6-1

Weight: 177

NHL rights: Florida (2011 1st round, 3rd overall)

2012-13 stats: 30 games, 16-29--45 pts.

Tidbits: Won 2011 Memorial Cup with Saint John and was named tournament MVP.

Boone Jenner - Oshawa Generals (C)

Hometown: Dorchester, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-1

Weight: 205

NHL rights: Columbus (2011 2nd round, 37th overall)

2012-13 stats: 32 games, 27-20--47 pts.

Tidbits: His uncle Bill Carroll won four Stanley Cups, three with the Islanders and another with Oilers ... He was raised on family's cattle farm.

J.C. Lipon - Kamloops Blazers (LW)

Hometown: Regina

Age: 19

Height: 6-0

Weight: 180

NHL rights: Passed over in last two drafts

2012-13 stats: 34 games, 22-35--57 pts.

Tidbits: Ranks 2nd in WHL scoring before leaving for Canadian junior selection camp ... He was passed over in WHL bantam draft, too.

Nathan MacKinnon - Halifax Mooseheads (C)

Hometown: Cole Harbour, N.S.

Age: 17

Height: 5-11

Weight: 179

NHL rights: 2013 draft eligible

2012-13 stats: 30 games, 22-20--52

Tidbits: His mother Kathy was a competitive swimmer ... He was tied for QMJHL scoring lead before joining Canadian junior team.

Mark McNeill - Prince Albert Raiders (C)

Hometown: Edmonton, Atla.

Age: 19

Height: 6-2

Weight: 201

NHL rights: Chicago (2011 1st round, 18th overall)

2012-13 stats: 35 games 13-26--39 pts.

Tidbits: He was an injury replacement for Charles Hudon ... He was called up to play seven games for AHL Rockford IceHogs last season.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Oklahoma City Barons (C)

Hometown: Burnaby, B.C. 

Age: 19

Height: 6-1

Weight: 175

NHL rights: Edmonton (2011 1st round, 1st overall)

2012-13 stats: 19 games, 8-12--20 pts.

Tidbits: He was cut by 2011 Canadian junior team ... He played for Canada at 2012 world senior championship.

Ty Rattie - Portland Winterhawks (RW)

Hometown: Airdrie, Alta.

Age: 19

Height: 6-0

Weight: 176

NHL rights: St. Louis (2011 2nd round, 32nd overall)

2012-13 stats: 30 games, 19-28--48 pts.

Tidbits: He was selected 2nd overall behind Nugent-Hopkins in 2008 WHL bantam draft ... He was named after legendary bull rider Ty Murray.

Brett Ritchie - Niagara IceDogs (RW)

Hometown: Orangeville, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-4

Weight: 218

NHL rights: Dallas (2011 2nd round, 44th overall)

2012-13 stats: 32 games, 27-23--50 pts.

Tidbits: His father Paul played three OHL seasons with London, Belleville and Guelph in early 1980s ... His younger brother Nick is in his second season with the OHL Peterborough Petes.

Mark Scheifele - Barrie Colts (RW)

Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-3

Weight: 184

NHL rights: Winnipeg (2011 1st round, 7th overall)

2012-13 stats: 29 games, 21-27--48 pts.

Tidbits: He played seven games for Winnipeg to start last season and performed in 10 Calder Cup playoff games for St. John's last spring ... He's a natural centre.

Ryan Strome - Niagara IceDogs (C)

Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.

Age: 19

Height: 6-1

Weight: 192

NHL rights: NY Islanders (2011 1st round, 5th overall)

2012-13 stats: 32 games, 22-40--62 pts.

Tidbits: Led OHL in scoring before he joined Canadian junior team ... He plays on the same line as Brett Ritchie with the IceDogs.

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Quiz: Know your U.S. college bowl games

Even for the hardcore football fans, a look at some of the U.S. college bowl games over the holiday season requires a second, or maybe third, glance.

Naming rights for bowl games have become great sources of revenue for college football. As a result for these partnerships, some players over the next two weeks will be competing for the honour to claim a bowl prize with an unusual sponsor attached to it.

So while NFL players compete for the Super Bowl, Minnesota and Texas Tech will play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. That's just one of over 30 bowl games this season.

How well do you know your U.S. college football bowl games? You think you can tell the real games from the fake ones?

Click here to take our quiz.

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IIHF bars Canada's Boone Jenner for 3 world junior games

A late hit in pre-tournament action that injured a Swedish defenceman has cost Canadian forward Boone Jenner three games to start the world junior hockey championship.

In its ruling Monday, the International Ice Hockey Federation's five person disciplinary panel determined that Jenner's hit on Jesper Pettersson in the Dec. 22 game in Finland was late and made with no intention to play the puck, with the blue-liner in a vulnerable position.

"It was Jenner's intention to deliver the forceful check in spite of having the opportunity to at least make an attempt to avoid contact on Pettersson," the IIHF wrote on its website.

Pettersson, who was carried off the ice on a stretcher, suffered a dislocated shoulder and fractured wrist on the play. Jenner, 19, was assessed a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct.

The Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick who hails from Dorchester, Ont. (near London), will miss preliminary-round games against Germany (on Wednesday), Slovakia (Dec. 28) and the United States (Dec. 30). He is eligible to return for the final game before the medal round against Russia on New Year's Eve.

Canadian head coach Steve Spott has the option to bring a player to Ufa, Russia, to replace Jenner, who has 27 goals and 47 points in 32 games this season with the Ontario Hockey League's Oshawa Generals.

Canada has until 5 a.m. ET Tuesday to register its roster for the under-20 tournament.

Last week, Canada lost Charles Hudon of the Quebec league's Chicoutimi Sagueneens to a lower back injury, with fellow forward Mark McNeill summoned from the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League.

Hockey Night in Canada personality Don Cherry weighed in on the Jenner suspension, saying the hit is a "perfect example" of a guy not knowing how to prepare for a hit.

"He makes the pass, sees Jenner coming, and walks right into it after admiring the pass," Cherry wrote to his Twitter account. "The [Swedish] league he plays in has no hitting, which is coming to our hockey eventually. So you don't prepare.

"And all of a sudden you have a guy like Jenner who decides to hit and you are not expecting it or prepared for it and bingo you're hurt.

"That's the problem with no hit hockey. It takes only one guy. It's tough to tell people who believe in no hit hockey and I agree if you can go through your hockey life with no hitting and everyone would co-operate I can see it, but every once in a while a guy like Jenner, a hitter, comes along. When you have the puck you should be prepared to get hit and be aware of what's happening on the ice."

Following Canada's 2-1 shootout win over Sweden, Spott contended Jenner's hit was shoulder-to-shoulder.

"If anything," he added, "maybe interference or a charge but definitely not something that's worth suspending because although Boone is an aggressive player, he didn't target anybody's head and he didn't leave his feet."

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Anthopoulos, Blue Jays helping to distract angry NHL fans

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining MLB team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport. Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's also helped to pacify swarms of angry NHL fans.

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining Major League Baseball team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport.

Lost in the sea of legal jargon that has engulfed the NHL lockout, alienated fans have been in desperate need of something to distract them from the 'make whole' provision, hockey-related revenue, 'disclaimer of interest,' or any other mind-numbingly frustrating terms associated with the months-long labour dispute between the owners and players.

After all, part of the essence of sport is the entertainment value. Sports are supposed to help us temporarily step away from the day-to-day grind and have something to get excited about. They're supposed to help spark lively debates and create a sense of unity, not drag people through the trenches.

Cue Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

He's turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since it won the second of back-to-back World Series titles in 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's simultaneously helped to pacify swarms of angry hockey fans.

And with the moves, Anthopoulos and his team have emerged from this off-season with a brigade of new bandwagon fans in addition to those die-hard ones that have supported the Blue Jays through hard times.

Blockbuster deal

It started last month when the now revered GM raided the Miami Marlins' starting rotation and top of the batting order in a mammoth 12-player swap.

Although it took several days of deliberation for MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to approve the deal, Anthopoulos added one of baseball's most coveted prototypical leadoff hitters in Jose Reyes to the top of the lineup.

He also managed to turn Toronto's starting five into one of baseball's best almost overnight. Right-hander Josh Johnson is arguably one of the top hurlers in baseball when healthy. Lefty Mark Buehrle gives the Jays credibility and a crafty veteran presence on the mound. And let's not forget that Buehrle has a perfect game to his credit.

It's a rotation that already boasts fireballer Brandon Morrow and if lefty Ricky Romero can rediscover his touch and rebound from a horrific 2012, opposing offences will have their work cut out for them.

The team gave up a couple of promising youngsters including shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and pitcher Henderson Alvarez among others, but it was a price Anthopoulos was willing to pay.

The Blue Jays then went out and added All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabrera. Granted, he comes with question marks after a 50-game drug ban last year, but if he can find even a fraction of the form that led the National League in hitting (.346 batting average) before his suspension, he'll be an invaluable piece to Toronto's puzzle.

Not done yet

But just when the buzz around the Blue Jays was beginning to cool off, Anthopoulos found himself in the middle of the R.A. Dickey sweepstakes a couple of weeks ago.

The 38-year-old Cy Young Award-winning knuckleballer didn't come cheap - at the expense of one of Toronto's best farmhands in catcher Travis d'Arnaud, along with pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard as part of the deal - but it continued to shape the Blue Jays into something they hadn't legitimately been in nearly two decades: a contender.

The deal pushed Las Vegas oddsmakers to declare them 15-2 World Series favourites as recently as last week.

And while NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr continue to butt heads with the hockey season in jeopardy, Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays will be gearing up for spring training in a couple of months.

And so will droves of frustrated NHL fans.

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The year in sports quotes: They said what?

As the year winds down, kick back and enjoy some of the humorous, thought-provoking and just plain nutty things said by sports figures in 2012.

"Hearing my fave, #18 Peyton Manning will not return to #NFL. Wow. #Colts" — NFL Insider (and sometime actor) Rob Lowe with the scoop on Twitter.

"Put your big-boy pants on". — Kobe Bryant of the Lakers, showing his trademark empathy when asked about teammate Pau Gasol's struggles.

"There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough.' For me, that time is now." — Lance Armstrong, announcing he would no longer fight doping charges levelled by USADA.

"Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling, and he deserves to be forgotten in cycling." — International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid.

"It's a shame in a game like that, that was so important, the ref decided the result before it started." — Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair, heartbroken after her team's controversial Olympic semifinal loss to the U.S.

"I find it almost incomprehensible that he did that." — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, minutes after NHLPA head Donald Fehr told reporters that the warring sides weren't far apart in negotiations.

"Miracles do happen in Manchester. Only this time it's on this side of the road." — Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini after his team's improbable comeback victory on the Premier League's final day won Man City a league title that rival Manchester United thought they had wrapped up.

"I'm now a legend, I'm the greatest athlete to live." — Sprinter Usain Bolt after winning the fifth of what would become six career Olympic gold medals at the London Games.

"At this age, I should be going to school every day. But I see my report [card] and I was there I think for two weeks, so my absent days are like 75 days or something." — Golfer Lydia Ko, 15, en route to winning the Canadian Open.

Usain Bolt called himself "the greatest athlete to live" after another dominating Olympic performance in London. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

"I hope that this medal inspires the kids at home to put down guns and knives and pick up a pair of trainers instead." — Erick Barrondo, winner of Guatemala's first-ever Olympic medal with a silver in the men's 20-km race walk.

"You know, people want him to be successful. And so do I. Everybody in this building does, too. If he's the guy that can be our guy for 10, 15 years, that's a hell of a deal for us." — Denver Broncos executive John Elway on quarterback Tim Tebow, who would be traded two months later.

"... Which is the hill we will die on." — NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, ending a lengthy and somewhat convoluted statement with a flourish, about the importance of contract limits in negotiations with the players' association.

"Tonight, our society was wonderfully represented by a ginger bloke, an immigrant named Mohammed and a mixed race woman. #proudtobeBritish" —Singer Billy Bragg on Twitter after Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford won Olympic gold medals in rapid succession on Aug. 4 in London.

"Handguns do not enhance our safety. They exacerbate our flaws, tempt us to escalate arguments, and bait us into embracing confrontation rather than avoiding it." — Bob Costas, quoting columnist Jason Whitlock, in a surprise halftime commentary after the murder-suicide committed by NFLer Jovan Belcher.

"And to be frank with you I don't know that it would have done any good, because I never heard of, of, rape and a man." — Then Penn State coach Joe Paterno, rationalizing in his last major interview before his death, to Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post.

"I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life. They won't come into your house and steal your children. They won't magically turn you into a lustful [bleep]." — Vikings punter Chris Kluwe in a letter to Maryland lawmaker Emmett C. Burns Jr., who publicly chastised a Ravens player who expressed support for gay marriage.

"Thank you so much. How about this [bleep] team right here! Look at this [bleep] team. Look at these [bleep] guys!" — Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick after the team's Stanley Cup parade.

"I've got circumstances. You guys understand it, and I understand it. It's already beat. And my vision that I'm living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings, and then hoist that Lombardi [Trophy] several times." — Coach Chuck Pagano, battling cancer, addressing the Colts upon his return.

"Call Me Maybe" — Seemingly every college and Olympic squad, paying homage to the ubiquitous song by Canadian Carly Rae Jepsen with lip-synching YouTube videos.

"Good job, good effort!" — Jack Meyer, nine-year-old Miami Heat fan, encouraging his favourite players as they left the court after a tough home playoff loss to Boston.

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The Olympic year: Bolt, Phelps stood above the rest

Like the 2008 Games in Beijing, the 2012 London Olympics benefited significantly from the athletic exploits of two seminal athletes: Jamaican track star Usain Bolt and American swimming icon Michael Phelps.

Prior to London, there were doubts as to whether Phelps or Bolt could come close to matching their historic success in Beijing four years ago.

Bolt had won three Olympic gold medals in the 100-metre, 200m and the 4x100m relay — all in world-record time. Phelps had eclipsed Mark Spitz's previously unthinkable mark of seven gold medals in one Olympics, winning eight.

However, questions surrounded both athletes heading into London. Phelps, who didn't begin serious training until shortly after the 2011 world championships, was getting a stiff challenge from compatriot Ryan Lochte. In addition to injury concerns, Bolt had a rival to contend with. At the Jamaican trials, he lost to countryman and 2011 world sprint champion Yohan Blake in both the 100 and 200, giving London a marquee battle in track's two signature events.

In the end, Blake didn't come close to unseating Bolt. The magnificent Jamaican swept the 100 (in an Olympic record 9.63 seconds) and 200 (19.32) titles, and led the Jamaican 4x100 relay team to a world-record (36.84). At just 25, Bolt became the first athlete to sweep the 100 and 200 events at back-to-back Olympics. He was also the first track star to win all three sprint events in consecutive Games.

Things looked bleak for Phelps, who had lost to Lochte twice at the worlds, following his first event in London. The 27-year-old offered little resistance in the men's 400 individual medley — Phelps made an ill-advised decision to enter the race — which Lochte easily won. In fact, Phelps failed to medal in the competition. Praise immediately shifted to Lochte, with media outlets prematurely crowning the Rochester, N.Y., swimmer as the new "king of the pool."

The coronation quickly subsided, however. Phelps regained his focus and went on to win four gold medals, including one against Lochte in the 200 individual medley, plus a pair of silvers. He finished his unparalleled career as the most decorated Olympian of all time — capturing a record 18 golds and 22 overall medals in three Olympics.

Canadian heartbreak

Sheer jubilation turned to instant horror for the Canadian men's 4x100-metre relay team within minutes. Canada shocked the field by earning an apparent bronze medal before being disqualified moments later.

The disqualification came when Jared Connaughton stepped on the line of his outside lane just prior to his exchange with Justyn Warner, Canada's anchor.

A distraught Connaughton realized instantly that he had committed the stringent infraction and apologized to the rest of his teammates — lead Gavin Smellie, Oluseyi Smith, and Warner.

He later tweeted: "I'm so sorry everyone. My heart is broken. I let my team down. I'm sorry."

The Bolt-led Jamaicans, meanwhile, broke their own world record en route to a gold medal with a time of 36.84 seconds. The Americans finished second, while Trinidad and Tobago replaced Canada as the bronze medallist.

Women's soccer team highlights Canada's Olympics

The reviews were mixed for Canadian Olympians. Critics pointed out that the team won only one gold medal (along with five silver and 12 bronze). But the gold output was only two under the number won by Canada at each of the four previous Games, and the squad still matched its medal total of 18 from Beijing — the second most ever by Canada in a non-boycotted Olympics.Canadian captain Christine Sinclair, front, scored a hat trick against the Americans during the semifinal match. Andrew (Yates/Getty Images)

The Canadian women's soccer team dominated the headlines. From the moment captain and CBCSports.ca athlete of the year Christine Sinclair touched down in England with her teammates, the spotlight was on them.

Canada first needed to erase its embarrassing showing at the 2011 World Cup in Germany. The Canadians easily accomplished that by advancing to the quarter-final round with a 1-1-1 record in the group stage. Canada had little trouble eliminating Great Britain in the quarters, setting up an historic semifinal matchup with the defending Olympic champion U.S. women.

History will point to this thrilling and controversial match as one of the most debated contests in Olympic lore. On three separate occasions in regulation time, Sinclair gave Canada a one-goal lead in picturesque fashion. The Americans would rally each time until they finally prevailed 4-3 in extra time. They went on to beat World Cup champion Japan in the gold-medal match.

But it was the controversy with Canada leading 3-2 that will always define this classic match.

Norwegian referee Christiana Pedersen turned herself into one of the most infamous Olympic figures. In a sequence of calls that set off an outrage in Canada, Pedersen called goalkeeper Erin McLeod for holding the ball too long, which led to a free kick inside the Canadian box. While a six-second infraction does exist in the rulebook, the enforcement usually comes with a warning; one McLeod said she never received.

Pedersen then gave the U.S. a penalty kick when Marie-Eve Nault was charged with a handball. Abby Wambach converted that chance with less than 10 minutes remaining before Alex Morgan's header in the final minute of extra time buried Canada. FIFA eventually suspended and fined Sinclair four games after London for "displaying unsporting behaviour towards match officials."

Undeterred, Canada regained its composure in the bronze-medal match against France as Diana Matheson's dramatic goal in the 92nd minute gave the Canadians a 1-0 win, and the first medal in a traditional team sport since 1936.

MacLennan wins Canada's only gold

Canada's lone gold medal came in the sport of trampoline.Trampoline athlete Rosie MacLennan displays Canada's only Olympic gold medal of the London Games. (J.P. Moczulski/Canadian Press)

Rosie MacLennan competed in the large shadow of three-time Olympic medallist Karen Cockburn. That was until the King City, Ont., native made a name for herself after executing a brilliant routine to move into first place.

Only one woman was left to challenge MacLennan — 2008 Olympic champion He Wenna of China. To everyone's amazement, the Chinese star tumbled on her last manoeuvre, giving MacLennan the gold.

"Now everybody knows my name," acknowledged the 23-year-old.

Heymans, van Koeverden leave mark

Emilie Heymans is one of the most unassuming Olympic athletes you'll come across, until she steps on a diving platform. In London, the Quebec native left one final lasting mark that put her in the Canadian record books.

By winning a bronze medal in the women's three-metre synchronized springboard event with partner Jennifer Abel, she became the first Canadian ever to win a medal in four straight Olympics.

Adam van Koeverden didn't break any records, but his silver in the men's K-1 1,000m event gave him four career Olympic medals, making him one of the most decorated Canadian athletes of all time. The Oakville, Ont., kayaker also captured gold and bronze at the 2004 Athens Games, and added a silver in Beijing.

Another U.S. star is born

While Phelps was wrapping up his unprecedented Olympic career, fellow American swimmer Missy Franklin emerged as the county's next big thing. Franklin was the star of the U.S. women's team in London.American phenom Missy Franklin set a world record in the women's 200-metre backstroke. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images )

Franklin, whose parents are Canadian and who has dual citizenship, became the darling of the pool after winning four gold medals and one bronze. She also set a world record in the women's 200 backstroke, and as part of the American 4x100 medley relay.

The 17-year-old accomplished all this before entering her senior year of high school. She may not reach Phelps' status, but by the time her Olympic career is done, Franklin could rank among the greatest Olympians ever.

Epic night for Brits

Like their Canadian counterparts at the Vancouver Olympics, officials from Great Britain were anticipating a lot of medals on home soil, particularly gold. The athletes did their part, reaching the top of the podium 29 times, ranking third behind the U.S. (46) and China (38).Mo Farah capped off Britain's third gold medal in an hour on the track after winning the men's 10,000 metres. (David J. Phillip/Associated Press)

But even the Brits could not have imagined the gold rush that took place on the track at London's Olympic Stadium on the second Saturday of the Games.

In rapid succession, the host country won three gold medals in less than an hour.

First, Jessica Ennis clinched the heptathlon title by winning the closing 800-metre race. Roughly 20 minutes later, Greg Rutherford — building off Ennis's momentum — leaped to a surprise gold medal in the men's long jump. It was Rutherford's first medal at a major international competition.

Before anyone could fully grasp what was happening, Mo Farah sent the crowd into a dizzy following his win in the men's 10,000.

Canada's Kaillie Humphries, left, and teammate Chelsea Valois are enjoying one of the greatest World Cup bobsled seasons ever on the women's circuit. (Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Looking ahead to Sochi

With the 2014 Winter Olympics only 14 months away, we thought it'd be fun to look ahead and see what other great performances await when the world converges on Sochi, Russia.

Here is a mix of Canadian and international athletes who could be standing atop the Olympic podium:

Kaillie Humphries (Bobsleigh) — There is no athlete on a bigger tear than the 27-old Calgary native. Already an Olympic gold medallist from the 2010 Vancouver Games, Humphries has won a record seven straight World Cup events dating back to last season, and is the reigning world champion. A second-straight Olympic gold would place her among the greatest drivers of all-time.

Christine Nesbitt (Long-track speedskating) — Nesbitt's list of accomplishments are too numerous to list in this space, and the 1,000-metre Olympic champion continues to shine. In this World Cup season alone, the London, Ont., skater has won four golds, one silver and a bronze. While Nesbitt will be in multiple events in Sochi, she'll be a heavy favourite to take home gold in the 1,000.

Charles Hamelin (Short-track speedskating) — Although Hamelin won two Olympic gold medals (500 and 5,000 relay) in Vancouver, he fell short of his own lofty expectations. Now the multiple-time world champion is using Vancouver as motivation for bigger things in Sochi, where the Sainte-Julie, Que., athlete could do some serious damage in the 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 5000 relay.

Mikael Kingsbury (Freestyle moguls) — A 2009-10 FIS World Cup rookie of the year, Kingsbury won the bronze medal at the 2011 world championships. The 20-year-old then equalled a FIS World Cup record by winning six straight events at the beginning of last season. The defending World Cup champion from Deux-Montagnes, Que., opened this mogul season with a win over 2010 Olympic gold medallist and teammate Alex Bilodeau in Ruka, Finland.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Figure skating) — From the moment this ice dance duo took to the ice, they appeared destined for greatness. Often compared to the iconic tandem of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the Canadians will head into Sochi as defending Olympic champions. Virtue and Moir have also won two world titles, including the 2012 crown.

Lindsey Vonn (Alpine skiing) — The American is taking a break to recover from an intestinal infection, but she remains a force on the World Cup circuit. Vonn swept both downhill races and the super-G event in Lake Louise, Alta., last moth — the second straight year she's accomplished that trifecta. The 2010 Olympic downhill hill champion, who still has visions of competing against the men, has won 57 career World Cup races, behind only Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proll (62) and Sweden's Ingemar Stenmark (86).

Aksel Lund Svindal (Alpine skiing) — A super-G gold medallist in Vancouver, the Norwegian has captured three world titles (2011, 2009 and 2007). In total, Svindal has earned three Olympic medals, six world championship podium finishes, and five World Cup discipline titles (super-G, giant slalom and combined). Svindal is off to another terrific start this season, sweeping the men's downhill and super-G races in Lake Louise last month. The overall World Cup leader continued his dominance in the speed races with a super-G victory at Val Gardena on Dec. 14.

Martins Dukurs (Skeleton) — After earning a silver in Vancouver, Dukurs has gone on to capture the last two world championships, and the last three World Cup overall titles. The 28-year-old Latvian, who has won four of the last five World Cup events this year, will be one of the top athletes to watch in Sochi.

Petter Northug (Cross-country skiing) — Only 26, Northug is already viewed as a legend in his native Norway. A double gold medallist who reached the podium four times in Vancouver, Northug is regarded as the standard of his sport. He is a seven-time world champion, and has been a dominant presence on the international stage for nearly a decade.

Shani Davis (Long-track speedskating) — The powerful American will be a two-defending champion in the 1,000 when he arrives in Sochi. He became the first man ever to repeat as Olympic champion at that distance. Davis has amassed a multitude of word championship gold medals, and is second all-time with 50 World Cup wins.

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