National Sports

REIMS, France — Canada goes into its final group game against the Netherlands on Thursday at the Women's World Cup knowing it is already assured of a berth in the knockout stage whatever the result.

LONDON — Canada's Milos Raonic enjoyed a winning return from a back injury on Wednesday. The No. 5 seed from Thornhill, Ont., downed Italy's Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 6-2 in a first-round match at the Queen's Club grass-court tournament.

Matt Niskanen wasn't totally shocked when the Washington Capitals traded him to Philadelphia last week. One look at their salary cap picture explained it. "I know what kind of situation Washington was in, so I knew there was a possibility," he said.

TORONTO — Gus Schickedanz was much more than just a boss to trainer Mike Keogh. Gustav (Gus) Schickedanz — who owned Wando, Canada's last Triple Crown winner — died Monday night at the age of 90 at his farm in Schomberg, Ont.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders signed national defensive lineman Jabar Westerman on Wednesday. Westerman, 30, has appeared in 109 CFL games with B.C. and Montreal.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens will host the 2020 NHL draft. The NHL announced Wednesday the Bell Centre will stage the two-day event June 26-27, 2020.

The Anaheim Ducks have bought out the contract of former NHL MVP Corey Perry after 14 seasons with the franchise.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Marcus Hogberg to a two-year extension. The first year has a two-way clause with a value of US$700,000 in the NHL and $125,000 in the American Hockey League, with a $150,000 guarantee.

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats added Canadian running back/receiver Anthony Coombs to their practice roster Wednesday. The 26-year-old Winnipeg native spent five seasons with the Toronto Argonauts before being released.

REIMS, France — Wandering around Reims on an off-day, Canada captain Christine Sinclair couldn't help but run into visiting Dutch fans ahead of Thursday's Group E showdown at the Women's World Cup. Dutch soccer fans are known for their passion.