National Sports

Wednesday's Olympic soccer draw will answer a lot of questions for Canada coach Bev Priestman, allowing her to finalize plans on and of the pitch.

LAS VEGAS — Patrick Marleau said he received many congratulatory messages — from former teammates to the legendary Wayne Gretzky himself — as he approached eclipsing the great Gordie Howe's record for NHL games played.

If the ending came earlier than usual for Jose Mourinho, the manner of it was all too familiar.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have signed forward Yuta Watanabe to a standard NBA contract. The six-foot-nine, 205-pound native of Yokohama, Japan is averaging four points, 3.3 rebounds and 13.

ANNANDALE, Va. — Canadian bowler François Lavoie has won the Guaranteed Rate PBA Super Slam. The 28-year-old from Quebec City, who now makes his home in Wichita, Kan.

Alberta heavyweight Tanner (The Bulldozer) Boser will face Sweden's Ilir (The Sledgehammer) Latifi on a June 5 UFC Fight Night card.

SANDY, Utah — Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos dedicated the team's season-opening victory to all the fans back in Vancouver who could not be in attendance.

REGINA — The Brandon Wheat Kings extended their win streak to four games with a 5-4 overtime victory over the Winnipeg Ice in Western Hockey League action on Sunday. Ben McCartney had four assists for the Wheat Kings (15-3-2-0).

CALGARY — Brendan Bottcher beat Kevin Koe 6-2 in another big all-Alberta game on Sunday to book a spot in the men's final of the Humpty's Champions Cup, while Ottawa's Rachel Homan secured a berth in the women's championship.

TAMPA, Fla. — Montreal's Chris Boucher had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors extended Oklahoma City's season-worst losing streak to 10 games, beating the Thunder 112-106 on Sunday night. Gary Trent Jr.