Hockey – Brandon Sun

Calgary Flames' MacKenzie Weegar (52) and Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) battle for the puck during overtime NHL action, in Edmonton on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Flames rally for victory over Oilers, continue streak of season-opening wins

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 1:32 AM CDT

EDMONTON - The Calgary Flames continued their habit of starting strong, even if they needed a couple breaks to keep their season-opening win streak alive.

Nazem Kadri scored the shootout winner in the eighth round to lift Calgary to a 4-3 victory over the rival Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

Matvei Gridin, Connor Zary and Blake Coleman scored in regulation as the Flames erased a 3-0 deficit to spoil Edmonton’s home opener.

“I don’t know why we have to make it so dramatic, but on the road it’s never easy to be a visiting team during a home-opener,” Kadri said. “We came out flying, were able to sustain the pressure and kind of build our game from there. So, it’s a character win.”

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OHL Roundup: Marek Vanacker scores twice, Bulldogs top IceDogs 7-4

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:25 PM CDT

SAINT CATHARINES -Marek Vanacker scored twice as the Brantford Bulldogs defeated the Niagara IceDogs 7-4 on Thursday night in the Ontario Hockey League.

Cooper Dennis, Vladimir Dravecky, Layne Gallacher, Owen Protz and Luca Testa also scored for Brantford. Bulldogs goaltender Ryerson Leenders kicked out 27 of 31 shots.

Ethan Czata scored twice while Ryerson Edgar and Kevin He replied once for Niagara. IceDogs netminder Charlie Robertson saved 28 of 35 shots.

SPITFIRES 3 STORM 2

Kadri scores shootout winner, Flames rally for 4-3 season-opening win over Oilers

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Kadri scores shootout winner, Flames rally for 4-3 season-opening win over Oilers

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:07 AM CDT

EDMONTON - Nazem Kadri scored the shootout winner in the eighth round as the Calgary Flames came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 and spoil their home opener Wednesday.

Matvei Gridin, Connor Zary and Blake Coleman scored in regulation for the Flames (1-0), who narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season. Kadri also added an assist.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and two assists while Andrew Mangiapane and Leon Draisaitl also scored for the Oilers (0-0-1). Connor McDavid had a pair of assists.

Edmonton is coming off a second consecutive loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:07 AM CDT

Calgary Flames' Nazem Kadri (91) and Edmonton Oilers' Ty Emberson (49) battle for the puck during third period NHL action, in Edmonton on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Bruins beat Capitals 3-1 in season opener

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Bruins beat Capitals 3-1 in season opener

The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:39 AM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists and Jeremy Swayman made 35 saves in the Boston Bruins’ 3-1 victory over Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Pastrnak scored in the second period and Elias Lindholm added a goal at 7:41 of the third — just 38 seconds after Tom Wilson had tied it at 1 for Washington.

Morgan Geekie scored into an empty net with 57.1 seconds remaining.

The Bruins made Marco Sturm a winner in his first game as coach, killing off all five of Washington’s power plays. That included a two-man advantage that lasted nearly a minute in the second.

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:39 AM CDT

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) stops Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Morgan Rielly’s big night powers Maple Leafs over Canadiens

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Morgan Rielly’s big night powers Maple Leafs over Canadiens

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:08 AM CDT

TORONTO - Morgan Rielly went through an off-season of reflection.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman said at the start of training camp he was "really disappointed" in himself following a 2024-25 campaign that was far below his own standard.

Rielly sought outside advice and had some tough conversations, including with general manager Brad Treliving.

The 31-year-old looked at every aspect of his craft in hopes of gaining new perspective and getting back to the two-way force the Leafs expect.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:08 AM CDT

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) skates with the puck during the first period in Game 6 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Sports Looking Back: Oct. 9, 2025

2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

IN LOCAL HISTORY

• 60 YEARS AGO — Twenty-two boys and girls from Souris and Elgin schools took part in the cross-country races at Elgin. Verla Strawn ran the girls’ two- mile course in 14:17 to lead Margaret Strath by 27 seconds. Tom Prath of Elgin finished the boys’ three-mile race with a time of 19:14.

• 50 YEARS AGO — Norm McManus of Kenton continued his fine season by topping the annual golfers tournament, held at the city-owned Brandon Golf and Country Club.

• 40 YEARS AGO — The Brandon Wheat Kings earned a 6-3 Western Hockey League victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors. Mike Morin and Dean Sexsmith both scored twice for Brandon.

Maple Leafs top Canadiens 5-2 to open post-Marner era in Toronto

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Maple Leafs top Canadiens 5-2 to open post-Marner era in Toronto

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:07 AM CDT

TORONTO - Morgan Rielly scored the winner in the third period and added an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs topped the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 in the first game of the post-Mitch Marner era Wednesday.

Bobby McMann and Calle Jarnkrok also scored for Toronto before Auston Matthews and William Nylander added one each into the empty net. Anthony Stolarz made 29 saves in both teams' opener to the NHL season. Nylander, John Tavares and Steven Lorentz also had two assists each.

Oliver Kapanen, with his first NHL goal, and Zachary Bolduc replied for Montreal. Sam Montembeault stopped 22 shots.

McMann opened the scoring just one minute in before Kapanen jumped on a turnover with Montreal killing a penalty.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:07 AM CDT

Toronto Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (left) celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens with Jake McCabe (22) during third period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

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Bettman commends McDavid’s team-friendly contract: ‘A testament to Connor’s passion’

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Bettman commends McDavid’s team-friendly contract: ‘A testament to Connor’s passion’

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

TORONTO - Connor McDavid left a bag of money on the table this week.

The superstar centre signed a two-year, US$25-million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers through 2027-28 after weighing his options all summer and through most of training camp.

There's no doubt McDavid could have pressed and squeezed the organization — the $12.5-million salary cap hit isn't a penny more than the current deal he signed eight years ago and runs through this season.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that, while the figure is "a lot of money by any standard," the decision says a lot about the player's desire to finally hoist the Stanley Cup.

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks before a playoff game between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Vegas and Jack Eichel agree on an 8-year, $108 million contract extension

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Vegas and Jack Eichel agree on an 8-year, $108 million contract extension

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:33 AM CDT

Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights have agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension worth $108 million, the club announced Wednesday.

Eichel will count $13.5 million against the salary cap from the time the new contract kicks in for the 2026-27 season through 2034.

“There’s definitely some peace of mind that comes with getting something done,” Eichel said after the Golden Knights’ 6-5 shootout loss to Los Angeles on Wednesday. I said all along I wanted to be here and play for the Vegas Golden Knights. So really happy to get it done. So happy to continue my career here in Vegas. It’s been an incredible place for me and my family. Just very thankful and grateful.”

Eichel said the organization's continued effort to build a perennial contender was a big reason he wanted to stay in Vegas.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:33 AM CDT

FILE - Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) skates with the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)

Edmonton Oilers sign Ekholm to three-year extension, add Roslovic on one-year deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Edmonton Oilers sign Ekholm to three-year extension, add Roslovic on one-year deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Oilers signed defenceman Mattias Ekholm to a three-year, US$12-million contract extension and added free agent forward Jack Roslovic on a one-year, $1.5-million deal Wednesday.

Ekholm will count $4 million against the league's salary cap through the 2028-29 NHL season. His deal comes two days after the Oilers locked up defenceman Jake Walman for seven years and $49 million and captain Connor McDavid for two seasons and $25 million.

Ekholm, 35, recorded nine goals and 24 assists in 65 games last season and returned from a torn adductor muscle to post a goal and five assists in seven playoff games.

He averaged more than 22 minutes per game and ranked among Edmonton’s leaders in penalty-kill ice time.

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Edmonton Oilers' Mattias Ekholm (14) looks on during training camp in Edmonton on Thursday September 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

Star left-winger Kyle Connor signs eight-year, US$96M extension with Winnipeg Jets

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Star left-winger Kyle Connor signs eight-year, US$96M extension with Winnipeg Jets

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

WINNIPEG - Jets fan Mark Galang watched the team practise Wednesday and was feeling more optimistic about its future after hearing the big news of the day.

Star left-winger Kyle Connor was on the ice after signing the franchise’s richest contract, an eight-year, US$96-million extension with an annual average value of $12 million that kicks in next season and runs through 2033-34.

“I feel grateful and thankful just because it’s nice that we’re keeping our star players,” Galang said as his five-year-old son, Hudson, clutched hockey cards while sporting a team jersey and cap.

“It’s nice to have (Connor) locked up long term on what I feel is a team-friendly deal. We’re building something good here for him to stay.”

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) controls the puck in the second period of Game 6 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Oilers vs. Flames, Leafs vs. Canadiens highlight Day 2 of 2025-26 NHL season

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Oilers vs. Flames, Leafs vs. Canadiens highlight Day 2 of 2025-26 NHL season

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Four Canadian teams make their debuts tonight on Day 2 of the 2025-26 NHL season.

The day's schedule features two classic all-Canadian rivalries as the Edmonton Oilers welcome the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens.

The Oilers, who finished runner-up to Florida in the last two Stanley Cup finals, enter the season as a championship favourite and are on a high after superstar captain Connor McDavid signed a team-friendly contract extension to keep him in Edmonton another two years.

Their Alberta rivals from Calgary also enter the season with high hopes, looking to build on a positive 2024-25 season that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs.

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Calgary Flames' MacKenzie Weegar (52) chases Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

WHL roundup: Petr paces Blades to 6-1 win over Giants

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

SASKATOON - Dominik Petr had two goals and an assist, David Lewandowski had a goal and two assists, and the Saskatoon Blades knocked off the visiting Vancouver Giants 6-1 in Western Hockey League action on Tuesday at the SaskTel Centre.

Ben Bowtell, Tyler Parr and Dustin Willhoft (empty-netter) also scored for the Blades (5-2-0-0), who led 2-0 after the first period and 4-1 heading into the third. Hunter Laing chipped in with two assists.

Blake Chorney scored for the Giants (2-4-0-0), who were outshot 39-16 and went 0-for-3 on the power play. The Blades went 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Elsewhere in the WHL on Tuesday:

NHL roundup: Boqvist scores winning goal, Panthers edge Blackhawks 3-2 in season opener

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

NHL roundup: Boqvist scores winning goal, Panthers edge Blackhawks 3-2 in season opener

The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Jesper Boqvist scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period and the Florida Panthers, after raising their second straight Stanley Cup banner, opened defence of the title by beating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in Tuesday night's regular-season opener.

Mackie Samoskevich — getting his second assist, the fifth two-point game of his career — chipped the puck toward the goal and Boqvist knocked it out of the air for the lead with 10:20 left. A.J. Greer and Carter Verhaeghe also had goals for Florida, which got 18 saves from Sergei Bobrovsky.

Frank Nazar had a goal and an assist and Teuvo Teravainen also scored for Chicago. Former Panthers goalie Spencer Knight made 34 saves for the Blackhawks.

Elsewhere in the NHL on Tuesday:

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Chicago Blackhawks centre Frank Nazar (91) scores on Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Kirk grateful returning to home province

By Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Preview

Kirk grateful returning to home province

By Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

When Ty Kirk figured he’d have a chance to play hockey back in his home province this season, he knew the opportunity was too good to pass up on.

The 20-year-old Hamiota product spent the last two years with the Sioux Lookout Bombers of the Superior International Junior Hockey League but had always eyed a role in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League ever since he was four years old.

“That’s always the dream, right? You want to play junior hockey in your home province, and being from Manitoba, it was always a goal growing up to play in the MJ,” said Kirk on Monday. “Obviously, I wanted to come and play closer to home, so it was an easy decision.”

Kirk grew up surrounded by the game. His dad, sister, and cousins all played, and his small-town community of fewer than 2,000 people was still full of talent on the ice, so picking up a stick felt less like a decision and more like a given. His dad, especially, helped shape how he viewed the game and encouraged him to have a creative mindset early on.

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Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Hamiota’s Ty Kirk, shown during the Neepawa Titans’ third game of the season against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines in Manitoba Junior Hockey League action at Yellowhead Community Recreation Centre on Sept. 24, came up through the Yellowhead Chiefs system. (Photos by Massimo De Luca-Taronno/The Brandon Sun)

Bettman sees value in NHL’s Olympic break, especially coming off success of 4 Nations

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Bettman sees value in NHL’s Olympic break, especially coming off success of 4 Nations

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Commissioner Gary Bettman isn't the biggest fan of taking a nearly three-week break in the middle of the NHL season so players can participate in the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

That said, he obviously sees the value.

Bettman spoke at the season-opening game Tuesday between the Florida Panthers — who raised their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship banner — and the Chicago Blackhawks. He made clear again that he knows what having NHL players back on the Olympic stage can do for the game.

"I think it’s going to be great," Bettman said between the first and second periods. “It’s important to our players. That’s why we’re doing it.

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Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

October 10, 2025

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