National Sports

TORONTO — DraftKings Inc. became the 18th gaming operator to be up and going in Ontario on Wednesday. The American-based company announced the launch of its online sportsbook and casino products in the province's sports-betting market.

CALGARY — Sport executives Natasha Johnston and Marin Hickox have joined Hockey Canada to lead initiatives in safe sport and women and girls hockey. Johnston was named Hockey Canada's director of sport safety on Wednesday.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks signed veteran Canadian receiver Rashaun Simonise on Wednesday. Simonise, of Vancouver, joins his fourth CFL franchise in as many seasons.

NEW YORK — Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor is one of three finalists for the National Hockey League's Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually to the player best combining sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.

The U.S. Soccer Federation reached milestone agreements to pay its men's and women's teams equally, making the American national governing body the first in the sport to promise both sexes matching money.

OK, we get it that mascots Hunter and Harvey couldn't sleep last night, and that one fan base loves to hear La Bamba while the other can't get enough country or Nickelback.

DENVER (AP) — Josh Manson scored 8:02 into overtime, Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves in his return to the net from an eye injury, and the Colorado Avalanche overcame a sluggish start to beat the St.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Seattle Thunderbirds were all but written off after losing three of the first four games in their Western Hockey League playoff series against the Portland Winterhawks.

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 41 points, and the Miami Heat turned things around with a huge third quarter on the way to beating the short-handed Boston Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers meet in the playoffs for the first time since 1991 in a best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal starting Wednesday.