National Sports

Persistence paid off for the Toronto Blue Jays with the signing of veteran infielder Marcus Semien, the latest in a series of free-agent moves as the team makes a push to contend in 2021.

New Galaxy coach Greg Vanney has brought three of his assistant coaches at Toronto FC to Los Angeles. The former TFC assistants are Dan Calichman, Nick Theslof and Jason Bent.

Matt Nichols is betting a 2021 CFL season will be played. The veteran quarterback's two-year deal with the Ottawa Redblacks reportedly includes a $200,000 report-and-pass bonus.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have signed Canadian long snapper Aaron Crawford. The native of Medicine Hat, Alta., played in 98 games with Hamilton from 2013 to 2019. Crawford has 23 career special-teams tackles.

Danny Maciocia is still crunching the numbers. but the Montreal Alouettes general manager is certain his '21 budget for player salaries will be under the CFL-mandated salary cap. The cap remains at $5.

NEW YORK — Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid is the NHL North Division's star of the month for January. McDavid had an NHL-high 22 points in January and tied for the league lead in goals for the month with eight.

TORONTO — Tennis Canada has renamed its annual showcase tennis event after announcing a 10-year partnership with a bank.

HAMILTON — Canadian defenders Kwame Awuah and Dominic Samuel will be back with Canadian Premier League champion Forge FC for the 2021 season. The Hamilton-based team picked up contract options on both players.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Canadian defender Callum Montgomery has signed a new contract with Minnesota United FC. The Loons acquired the 23-year-old from Lantzville, B.C., in a December trade that sent FC Dallas a fourth-round draft pick in 2022.

MIES, Switzerland — The Canadian women's basketball team will have a chance to exact revenge on Spain at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Canada was placed into Group A with Spain, Serbia and South Korea in the draw on Tuesday.