National Sports

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks will have fans in Rogers Arena on Sunday for the first time in almost 19 months. The Canucks are at home to the Winnipeg Jets in a pre-season game.

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Florian Jungwirth is eagerly anticipating smashing his former teammates. He doesn't have any crunching tackles planned for when the San Jose Earthquakes come to town on Saturday, however.

Toronto FC looks to continue its climb out of the nether regions of Major League Soccer and dispatch another team under new management when it hosts Chicago Fire FC on Sunday.

CALGARY — Craig Dickenson solicited some help from the CFL head office in order to prepare for his team’s road game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have signed restricted free agents Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes to new contracts, according to multiple media reports. Pettersson reportedly signed a three-year deal worth US$7.

Canada Soccer will welcome Costa Rica and Mexico to Edmonton in November for World Cup qualifying games, hoping chilly weather and artificial turf at Commonwealth Stadium will make the CONCACAF visitors uncomfortable.

Canada faces three stiff challenges in World Cup qualifying this month with question-marks over several key players.

TORONTO — Linebacker Justin Tuggle is back with the Toronto Argonauts. The Argos announced Friday they've re-signed Tuggle and signed defensive back Jalen Collins.

TORONTO — Safe Conduct returns to Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, albeit on a different surface and with a different rider. Safe Conduct captured the $1-million Queen's Plate on Woodbine Racetrack's Tapeta track Aug. 22 with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.

It might not be the most complete version of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but it's certainly the healthiest head coach Orlondo Stainuer has had this season.