AVONDALE, Ariz. Cheap Jerseys . -- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. moved a big step closer toward defending his Nationwide Series championship with a strong run at Phoenix International Raceway. He also got some help from Elliott Sadler, who had a rough day start to finish. The two title contenders started Saturday tied for the championship, and likely would have gone into next weekends finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway locked into a tight race. But as Stenhouse battled Joey Logano and Brian Vickers for the lead headed to the white flag, Elliott Sadler imploded 10 positions behind them. Sadler was racing hard for 12th with Justin Allgaier and Cole Whitt when he triggered a three-car accident. "I just got loose. Its hard to put this into words," Sadler said. "Its been a long, great season and my guys deserve better effort from me than wrecking the car on the last lap." The accident brought the race to a halt, and Sadler had to sit in his battered car as NASCAR cleaned the track. Once cleared, he returned to pit road for some futile repairs, but the race went on without him into overtime. Logano pulled away in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for his ninth win of the season, with Vickers finishing second. Stenhouse wound up third, and Sadler, his wounded car sputtering and sparking, was 22nd. Sadler was 10 points behind Stenhouse before the accident, but now goes to the finale down by 20. It capped a day that saw him wreck his primary Chevrolet on his qualifying lap, and it took his Richard Childress Racing team almost until the start of the race to get his backup car prepared. "I did it to myself. I put my team in a hole, qualifying like we did," he said. "We tried to work on this car as much as we could, and I just got a little loose there and got into (Whitt). It was 100 per cent my fault. I should have done a better job for these guys and I just apologize to them for putting them in this position heading into Homestead. We dont have a dog in the fight, but I definitely dug ourselves a hole." Stenhouse needs to finish 16th or better at Homestead to become the sixth driver in Nationwide history to win consecutive titles. "That makes us feel good, but weve given up 20 points in one race, so its not over til its over," he said. "Weve still got some work to do, but it feels pretty good." Stenhouse also said it will be difficult putting a strategy together with his Roush Fenway Racing team for next week. "Its going to be tough because Im going to have to not push the limits as much as I like," he said. "I like going for race wins, too, so its going to be a fine balance there because I want to win that race and win the championship all at the same time. We were close last year running second there at the end and finished second, and kind of had to share the burnout stage there with (race winner) Brad (Keselowski), so hopefully we dont have to do that." Wholesale Jerseys From China . The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback believes he can return this season despite spraining his right shoulder and suffering what he called a dislocated rib in Monday nights overtime win against Kansas City. Hes just not sure when hell be ready. NFL Jerseys China . The move came just ahead of Fridays deadline for teams to offer contracts to players on their 40-man rosters who are not signed for the coming season. http://www.stitchedchina.com/ .S. Open. Levin was at No. 61 in the world and missed the cut in the St. Jude Classic. Because he had points fall off his world ranking ledger, however, he moved to No. Wholesale Jerseys . Teams interested in Rick Nash say asking price remains high and theres no sense out of Columbus anything is imminent. Likely to be post-July 1. Wholesale Jerseys China .C. Lions re-signed non-import receiver Akeem Foster to a contract extension Tuesday. VANCOUVER -- Chalk two up for the underdogs. Milos Raonic and Frank Dancevic staked Canada to a 2-0 lead over favoured Spain on the first day of a Davis Cup tie on Friday. After Raonic opened with a hard-fought win over Albert Ramos, Dancevic cruised to a straight-sets victory over Marcel Granollers, putting the home squad on the verge of a major upset -- and Canadian tennis history -- in the best-of-five series. "(The ball) felt good coming off the racket," said Dancevic, who is ranked 166th in the world, the lowest of any player competing this weekend. "Its definitely one of the best matches of my career, I have to say. Hes not an easy player to play." Spain, ranked No. 1 in the world, is a five-time Davis Cup champion and reached the finals last year before being upset by the Czech Republic. Canada, meanwhile, has never advanced beyond the first round of World Group play, which is open to the top 16 countries. "It is not over, even if we believe that we might need a miracle to win this tie right now," said Spanish captain Alex Corretja. With a win in doubles play Saturday, Canada can advance further than it ever has in Davis Cup play. "We know how difficult is the situation, and (Saturday), we go out there and try to win doubles -- for sure," said Corretja. "Right now, it is not easy to feel anything positive, because we just lost two matches and, especially, the second one is quite sad." A year ago, Dancevic, a 28-year-old Niagara Falls, Ont., native, was an alternate for a Davis Cup tie here with France, and only drew in after Raonic suffered a minor knee injury and could not play his second rubber match. Dancevic drew in this time largely because Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil is recuperating from mononucleosis and will only play doubles. But Dancevic defeated Granollers, Spains top singles player for this event, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 with relative ease. The Canadians biggest battle came at the end as Granollers staved off two match points and then hit the ball long on the third one. "I played my game style from the first point til the last point -- Im very proud of myself for that," said Dancevic. "Its a big step for me." Corretja said Dancevic played like his eyes were closed as all of his shots seemed to stay in. "He was absolutely amazing, and its a shame that we didnt find a way to damage his game," said Corretja. "And its also a shame that he is not better on the tour, because seeing a guy with such (an) amount of talent on his racket, and being 166th in the world, Im kind of surprised that hes not better -- because I think he should be better. That would be great for the tour, because his game is beautiful to watch. "Unfortunately, today, it was painful to watch -- for us." Raonic struggled early in the opening match but still got Canada off to a good start. The Thornhill, Ont., native overcame a one-set deficit to beat Ramos 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 before a crowd of 6,012 at UBCs Thunderbird Sports Centre. "I dont think I faced a break point, so I took care of my serve," said Raonic. "I was a little bit disappointed a few timees. Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping. I was 40-love and I would make sloppy mistakes to 40-15 and let him get to 40-30. "I just need to execute those a little bit better." Raonics Spanish opponent allowed that he was outplayed. "I played well, but in the end he played better than I did," said Ramos. Raonic, ranked 15th in the world, entered the match as the clear favourite. Ramos, ranked 51st, and listed as Spains No. 2 singles player for this event, was playing his first-ever Davis Cup match. But Ramos was not consoled by his strong early showing or the way he battled throughout the contest. "Im not happy," he said. "I play to win, so Im not happy." Raonic struggled early, hitting the net several times on what appeared to be routine forehand shots. Raonic held a 5-3 lead in the first-set tiebreaker, but missed while attempting to return a long Ramos shot to go down 6-5 and then hit a long shot out to give the Spaniard the opening set. Raonic said it was frustrating to lose the first set, but he still felt good because he was creating chances for himself to earn points. He adjusted his positioning further left in the second set to ensure that Ramos could not keep his shots along the sideline in. Canadas top singles player finished with 26 aces on the day, while Ramos recorded 13. However, the Spaniard never managed to break Raonics serve over the course of 43 games. "It was difficult to return the Canadians serve," said Ramos. Spain is playing without four of its highest-ranked players -- David Ferrer (fourth), Rafael Nadal (fifth), Nicolas Almagro (11th) and Fernando Verdasco (24th) -- this weekend. While Nadal and Almagro are recovering from injuries, Ferrer and Verdasco chose to rest. Raonic said the first win was "very important" for Canadas confidence. He triumphed while playing the opening match in Davis Cup play for the first time. "The only thing I have to get used (to) today thats a little bit different than playing the second match, like Ive always done before, is that opening ceremony," he said. "People expect you to be calm, quiet, but I sort of like to get activated before. "So during that whole opening ceremony, I was like fidgeting back and forth and then during the national anthem, out of respect, you stand still. "But that (ceremony) the only difficult thing (about preparing for the opening match) because your routine changes a bit going out there." As it turned out, Raonic did not get the start he wanted, but he got the finish Canada needed, much to the delight of the raucous red-and-white clad, flag-waving crowd. "I was not giving them too much to work with, but it was amazing how supportive they were and how loud they were," he said. Canadian captain Martin Laurendeau said Raonics early victory "set the tone" for the opening-day sweep. "For sure, that had an impact on (Dancevic)," said Laurendeau. "Watching in the locker-room and seeing his teammate put us 1-0 ahead, it certainly helps to follow up and to, maybe, swing a bit more freely. "But I guess he swung a lot more freely." ' ' '

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Famed Puerto Rican boxer Hector "Macho" Camacho is clinically brain dead, doctors said Thursday, but family members disagreed on whether to take him off life support and two of the fighters aunts said later that relatives had agreed to wait two more days. Cheap NFL Jerseys . Dr. Ernesto Torres said doctors had no more medical tests to perform on Camacho, who was shot in the face Tuesday night. "We have done everything we could," said Torres, who is director of the Centro Medico trauma centre in San Juan. "We have to tell the people of Puerto Rico and the entire world that Macho Camacho has died, he is brain dead." He said at a news conference Thursday morning that Camachos father indicated he wanted the boxer taken off life support and his organs donated, but other relatives opposed the idea. "This is a very difficult moment," Torres said. One of the fighters aunts, Aida Camacho, said Thursday evening that two of Camachos sisters had asked to have two more days to spend with him, and other family members had agreed even though they felt it was time to give in. "Im a person of a lot of faith, and I believe in miracles, but science has spoken," she said. Another aunt, Blanca Camacho, also said the family had agreed to the wishes of the two sisters from New York to hold off on ending life support. But, she added, "Theres nothing left here. Hes already dead." Most of Camachos relatives left the hospital by Thursday night without commenting. About a dozen people stood vigil outside. One, Orvil Miller, a singer and actor, expressed sadness about Camachos fate and recalled his admiration for the fighters flamboyance. "He had the combination of the skills of a boxer along with a great sense for entertainment," Miller said. Steve Tannenbaum, a friend and a former boxing agent for Camacho, said in a phone interview that he idolized Camacho as a boxer. "He is one of the greatest small fighters that I have ever seen," he said. "Hector Camacho had a legendary status." Tannenbaum said he initially believed Camacho would survive. "He was almost like the indestructible man. He had so many troubles with the law, so many altercations in his life. Its a great shame." The 50-year-old Camacho was shot as he and a friend sat in a Ford Mustang parked outside a bar Tuesday night. Police spokesman Alex Diaz said officers found nine small bags of cocaine in the friends pocket, and a 10th bag open inside the car. Camachos friend, identified as 49-year-old Adrian Mojica Moreno, was killed in the attack. Doctors had initially said Camacho was expected to survive, but his condition worsened and his heart stopped briefly overnight Tuesday, Torres said. The bullet entered his jaw and lodged in his shoulder after tearing through three of four main arteries in his neck, affecting blood flow through his brain, doctors said. "That lack of oxygen greatly damaged Macho Camachos brain," Torres said. Camacho was born in Bayamon, a city within the San Juan metropolitan area, but he grew up mostly in New Yorks Harlem neighbourhood, earning the nickname "the Harlem Heckler." He won super lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight world titles in the 1980s and fought high-profile bouts against Felix Trinidad, Julio Cesar Chavez and Sugar Ray Leonard. Camacho knocked out Leonard in 1997, ending the former champs final comeback attempt. Camacho had a career record of 79-6-3. In recent years, he divided his time between Puerto Rico and Florida, appearing regularly on Spanish-language television as well as on a reality show called "Es Macho Time!" on YouTube. In San Juan, he had been living in the beach community of Isla Verde, where he would readily pose for photos with tourists who recognized him on the street, said former pro boxer Victor "Luvi" Callejas, a neighbour and friend. Camacho battled drugs, alcohol and other problems throughout his life. He was sentenced in 2007 to seven years in prison for the burglary of a computer store in Mississippi. While arresting him on the burglary charge in January 2005, police also found the drug ecstasy. A judge eventually suspended all but one year of the sentence and gave Camacho probation. He wound up serving two weeks in jail, though, after violating that probation. His wife also filed domestic abuse complaints against him twice before their divorce several years ago. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping . - NASCAR announced today that two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers and three crew members have been penalized as a result of rules violations committed Saturday, Sept. Cheap NFL Nike Jerseys .C. Lions delivered a championship-worthy performance over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at B. http://www.stitchednfl.com/ . Gut won her first World Cup downhill and Vonn suffered a rare crash in her strongest discipline to miss out on a fifth straight win in speed events this season. Cheap Jerseys . -- A.J. Griffin glanced into the visiting dugout and saw Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira among others. Cheap Jerseys From China . -- The championship contenders said Talladega Superspeedway would be the wild-card race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.SARASOTA, Fla. -- Baltimore Orioles infielder Wilson Betemit estimates hell be out for six to eight weeks because of a tear in his right knee. Betemit was hurt Monday while running the bases in an exhibition game and had an MRI. He was diagnosed with a tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. Betemit said Tuesday that hes gglad he wont need surgery.dddddddddddd The 31-year-old Betemit hit .261 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs last season with Baltimore. He played third base, first base and the outfield, and also was a designated hitter. Betemit has played for Atlanta, the Dodgers, the Yankees, the White Sox, Kansas City and Detroit. ' ' '

SHERBROOKE, Que. -- Calgary Dinos Amonn Nelson and Sam Effah were named the Canadian university track athletes of the year Thursday. Nelson earned the womens award after breaking a pair of 26-year-old records to win both sprint events at the Canada West championship. Nelson, a fifth-year sprinter, set a record in the 300 metres at 37.89 seconds, then ran a record 7.51 in the 60 metres. Effah won the award for the fourth consecutive year after breaking his own record in the 60 metres, running 6.59 at the Canada West championship. Effah competed for Canada at the Commonwealth Games in India last October, and won the 100 metres at the Canadian track and field championships. Saskatchewans Taryn Suttie won the female award for field events after winning every Canada West shot put event she entered. Jeremy Eckert took the mens field award for Regina, winning gold medals in high jump and the pentathlon as well as a bronze in long jump at the Canada West championships. Montreals Laurence Beaudet, who is ranked first the CIS in long jump and third in 60-metre hurdles, was named female rookie of the year. Albertas Stephen McPhee took male rookie honours for winning long-jump gold at the Canada West meet with only one jump. NFL Jerseys From China . He added they could also lose to anybody. The enigmatic Russians lived up to their captains word. With a team built around 11 players who ended third at Euro 2008 and another Dutch coach, Dick Advocaat, Russia was tipped early to be a dark horse at the tournament in Poland and Ukraine. Cheap NFL Jerseys . Thats a perfect attitude for someone playing on the over-50 tour. http://www.cheapjerseychinastore.com/ . -- The best in golf returned to Indiana for the first time in more than 20 years, and based on the All-Star performance that broke out Saturday in the BMW Championship, this show might leave these golf-hungry fans even more mesmerized. Cheap Jerseys . The team said Friday that Hansen has not yet decided whether to accept the offer. No replacement has been named. Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, third base coach Tim Wallach, first base coach Davey Lopes, bench coach Trey Hillman and bullpen coach Ken Howell will return in 2013. Cheap Jerseys China . It is the first time Canada has won a medal in the boccia BC4 competition. Marco Dispaltro of St-Jerome, Que.The Anaheim Ducks have signed Swedish goaltender Viktor Fasth to a one-year deal. The team announced Monday that they have signed the netminder to a one-way deal worth $1 million. Fasth just finished suiting up for Team Sweden at the IIHF World Championship where he posted a 4-2 record with two shutouts. The 29-year-old keeper posted a 2.04 goals-against average with a .934 save percentage in 46 gaames for AIK of the Swedish Elite League in 2011-12.dddddddddddd He is the reigning, two-time winner of the Honken Trophy, awarded annually to the best goaltender in the SEL. Anaheim tried a variety of options behind starter Jonas Hiller in 2011-12, including Dan Ellis, Jeff Deslauriers and Iiro Tarkki. The trio combined for a 5-6 record in 15 combined appearances. ' ' '

MADRID, Spain -- A late goal by Giovani Dos Santos gave Mallorca a 1-0 win over fellow relegation struggler Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Monday. Wholesale Ravens Jerseys . Dos Santos netted from a rebound in the third minute of injury time after Mallorca midfielder Tomas Pina sent a cross toward the far post and goalkeeper Javier Varas saved a header from striker Tomer Hamed. The win lifts Mallorca above Celta into 19th place in the 20-team league on 27 points, just one point from safety. Celta is last on 24 points after 31 games. Barcelona leads the standings on 81 points, ahead of Real Madrid on 68 and third-place Atletico Madrid on 65. wholesale jerseys free shipping . -- Bubba Watson had reason to feel like a rock star. Broncos China Jerseys . Hooper scored 79 goals in 129 games for Canada, played in three World Cups and was named Canadas Female Player of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 2002. She is joined by fellow former internationals Andrea Neil, Carlo Corazzin and Mark Watson. http://www.wholesalesportsjerseysmall.com/ . -- His buzzer-beating 3-pointer was still under review but Jordan Crawford knew it was good. Cheap Ravens Jerseys . Bailey, 27, was 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA in six appearances out of the Goldeyes bullpen. The Goldeyes now have 20 players on their active roster, including 10 pitchers and 10 position players. Cheap Jerseys . IOC spokesman Mark Adams says Luiza Galiulina has been kicked out of the athletes village after the second test confirmed the initial finding for use of the banned diuretic furosemide. Galiulina — a lesser-known name with no medal hopes — tested positive in a pre-games urine control in London last Wednesday. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Eddie Gavens header in the first minute of stoppage time gave the Crew a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, salvaging an important point for Columbus as it tries to land a playoff spot. With 49 points, the Crew are one out of playoff position. Houston is fifth in the Eastern Conference on 50 points, and each has two games left to play. "Youre not satisfied with one point," Crew defender Julius James said. "We wanted the three points but well take it. Its still forward progress." Gaven scored to the near right post off a pass from Emilio Renteria to continue a trend of late dramatics. The Crews past five winning goals have come in the 86th minute or later. "I made run to the near post and Emilio made a great pass," Gaven said. "He did all the work. All I had to do wass hit it. Cheap Broncos Jerseys. Sporting Kansas City (17-7-7) took the lead in the 10th minute when C.J. Sapong headed home his own rebound. "We kind of had the game," KC coach Peter Vermes said. "Being away from home, the significance for them in trying to stay alive for the playoffs, I thought we played pretty well." That is until Gaven spoiled Nielsens bid for his 15th shutout. "We didnt give them too many opportunities throughout the game until the end when they had that one really good chance," Vermes said. "All in it was a good performance by us but we should have closed that game out. Kansas City has clinched a spot and opened a three-point lead over second-place Chicago in the East but is five back of San Jose for the overall points lead and home-field throughout the post-season. ' ' '

OTTAWA (CIS) – The CFL Scouting Bureau released its second prospect list for the leagues 2013 Canadian Draft on Wednesday, with four CIS players earning a spot in the Top 5. Wholesale NFL Jerseys . In total, seven CIS standouts cracked the 15-player list, one less than in the initial report published by the CFL on Sept. 19. After being tagged as the drafts top prospect three months ago, University of Regina defensive tackle Stefan Charles drops to No. 4 on the new list. Taking his place atop the chart is Bo Lokombo, a linebacker from Oregon who was ranked third in September. Joining Charles in the Top 5 are McMaster offensive tackle Matt Sewell at No. 2, Calgary defensive lineman Linden Gaydosh at No. 3 and McMaster defensive end Ben DAguilar at No. 5. Regina offensive lineman Brett Jones (No. 11), Calgary running back Steven Lumbala (No. 13) and Calgary linebacker Mike Edem (No. 14) round out the CIS selections. Sewell and DAguilar, who led McMaster to a second straight OUA title this fall and helped the Marauders reach the Vanier Cup championship game for the second consecutive season, are the big winners on the new list among CIS players, moving up two and five spots, respectively. Sewell, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound specimen from Milton, Ont., was named an all-Canadian for the second year in a row and helped quarterback Kyle Quinlan claim the Hec Crighton Trophy. DAguilar, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound native of Hamilton, was awarded the J.P. Metras Trophy as the countrys top down lineman after he set a single-season CIS record with 12.5 sacks in eight conference games. Gaydosh is down one position from the September list, Jones is down two, Lumbala dropped all the way from No. 5, while Edem was unranked three months ago. Last year, University of Saskatchewan offensive lineman Ben Heenan topped the first two Scouting Bureau lists before dropping to second place in the third and final rankings. In May, he became the sixth CIS player in as many years – and the 10th in the past 13 years - to be selected first overall in the CFL Draft when the Saskatchewan Roughriders called his name at No. 1. The CFLs Scouting Bureau is comprised of CFL scouts, player personnel directors and general managers from the leagues eight teams. Cheap Jerseys . For a second straight game, Montreal held the opposition below 20 shots on goal en route to a 3-0 shutout win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. China Jerseys Free Shipping . But he says its impossible to speak about it seriously until such a bid has been submitted. Jacques Rogge made the remarks at the close of several days of IOC meetings in the city held in conjunction with a major sporting conference. http://www.stitchedchina.com/ . Barton had arrived in Marseille earlier in the week for a medical and completed the deal on Friday, just before the transfer deadline. NFL Jerseys From China . The 23-year-old Ki has signed a three-year contract with the south Wales club, which has just started its second season in the English Premier League. Wholesale Jerseys From China . While talking about an executive that will, at best, serve as a vocal underling to president Bryan Colangelo is hardly earth-shattering stuff, anything that distracts from the stench of cancelled games is worth diverting to for a couple of minutes.CLEVELAND - Jim Thome tied The Bambino on Monday. Now, he wants to get a little closer to Babe Ruths home run total, too. The 41-year-old slugger became the first ballplayer to address the City Club of Cleveland since Ruth did so on July 17, 1925, and said he still has the passion to play. Whether or not that is with the Indians or another team will be determined when impending free agents become eligible to start negotiations five days after the end of the World Series. "Ill keep playing," said Thome, eighth on the all-time list with 604 career homers. "I just need teams to call me. I cant go play in the backyard by myself. I dont know the demand for a 41-year-old DH, but my passion is I want to continue to play." Thome said his desire to capture an elusive World Series title is more important to him than setting individual records. He came close with the Indians in 1995 and 1997 before moving on to four other teams in his quest -- which brought him back to Cleveland. He was honoured to speak at the club, which has featured guest speakers from all walks of life for 99 years. "To be honest, I didnt even know this existed," Thome said. "But it is a very special and humbling experience." Thome spoke from a stage that previously featured names like Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Muhammad Ali. "Any time you get names like Babe Ruth," he said, "it is very, very cool." Thome said hes enjoyed watching the World Series and marvelled at the Game 3 performance of St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols. He drove in six runs with five hits including three home runs. "Hes a great player, so special," Thome said. "Hes one of the best hitters in our era." Thhat timeframe includes Thome, who hit his first homer for Cleveland in 1991, set a team single-season record of 52 in 2002, and extended his franchise mark after being re-acquired from Minnesota on Aug. China Jerseys. 25. "That move caught me off guard and it was really a dream," Thome said. Cleveland fell out of contention, but Thome said the young Indians seem primed for success. He would like to be a part of it, but will weigh all offers and decide upon his future this winter. "In a year or two, this team can do some very special things," Thome said. "They have put the groundwork in, done things the right way." Just in case, Thome is making plans for life after playing. He would like to stay in the game in some capacity. "The game has given me a lot and I could give a lot back," he said. "There is going to be a next journey. I dont know what it is, but it will be exciting." Thome enjoyed serving as a mentor to players in September and got a special kick out of a hot streak by journeyman Shelley Duncan, who had six homers and 21 RBIs in September. "Shelley was one who asked a lot of questions and I tried to help," Thome said. "I was talking with (hitting coach) Bruce Fields and we agreed that Shelley can be a monster. He has done a lot to improve and it was really special to see what he did." Thome said a lot of Cleveland fans have encouraged him to re-sign, but he understands it is not entirely his decision. "Everybody says you can play forever," he said. "At age 41, you know you cant. I have to admit I am enjoying getting up every morning and being with my family right now. Well see whats going to happen. "It is a process that will align itself." ' ' '

WASHINGTON -- UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz demonstrated his versatility Saturday night by winning a unanimous decision over Demetrious (Mighty Mouse) Johnson. Cruz had his hands full early on with the busy Johnson. Frustrated somewhat by Johnsons speed, the champion eventually used takedowns to control the challenger and pile up the points if not the damage. Judges, noting Cruzs Octagon control, scored it 50-45, 49-46, 50-45 for Cruz. "It was a tough fight," said Cruz. "The kids got a sick pace, man, so I had to outwrestle him. "Youve got to be able to switch everything up, you cant fight everybody the same. So I wanted to show a little bit of my grappling in this fight. I was looking for the finish but he toughed it out." In the co-main event on the televised card at the Verizon Center, six-foot-11 Dutch heavyweight Stefan (Skyscraper) Struve submitted five-foot-11 Pat (HD) Barry at 3:22 of the second round. The five-foot-eight Cruz (19-1), who has not lost since moving down to 135 pounds, defeated former featherweight title-holder Urijah Faber last time out. The five-foot-three Johnson (14-2) was coming off wins over Kid Yamamoto and Miguel Angel Torres. "I was surprised how strong he was," Johnson said of the champion. Cruz used his herky-jerky punch and kick attack, coming in from all angles. Johnson also attacked at speed, looking for an early takedown. But it was the champion who got top position first. Johnson got back up and eventually took Cruz down briefly later in the round. In the second, Cruz started with another takedown -- but could not keep Johnson down and the busy challenger kept pressing. Johnsons speed kept Cruz guessing but the champion took Johnson down in the final minute, although he was unable to do much damage. Cruz scored with a suplex in the third, ending up on top of a facedown Johnson and looking for a choke. Johnson fought his way out, however, and got back to his feet, attacking Cruz at the fence. Another Cruz takedown in the fourth blunted the Johnson attack. Cruz worked into mount position before Johnson got back into guard and then got back up. Another big suplex landed Cruz on top early in the fifth and he scored with some elbows from inside Johnsons guard. Johnson, whose left cheek was badly swollen, kept coming but Cruz took him down again and got full mount. Johnson got back up but was unable to deliver the telling blow he had looked for all night. Struve (26-5) had a 9.5-inch reach and 18-pound weight advantage over Barry in the battle of kickboxers. Barry (6-4) stalked Struve in the first round but produced little other than a few leg kicks. Struve looked to counter-punch or attack from the clinch. Barry landed an uppercut in the second and tried a head kick on his taller foe. But Struve wrestled him to the ground and worked his way into a triangle choke. Barry postured up and tried to slam Struve but the big Dutchman held on, adding an armbar, and Barry had to tap. "Im thrilled with the result, man," said Struve who called Barry "one of the coolest dudes in MMA." Cheap Jerseys . Cheek, a six-foot-two, 198-pound native of Vancouver, Wash., had 23 goals and 49 assists in 67 games with the Hitmen last season. "We are excited to add Trevor to our group as it gives us a big power forward for our top-6 group," Giants general manager Scott Bonner said in a statement. Cheap Jerseys China . Now, as the Whitecaps struggle down the homestretch, Vancouvers backup goalkeeper is being asked to save their playoff hopes.BURNABY, B.C. -- Corie Jacobson and Chloe Dion scored in a shootout Monday as the North Bay Ice Boltz beat the Regina Rebels 2-1 at the Esso Cup national womens midget hockey championship. Regina looked headed for a shutout victory when Hannah Heisler broke a 0-0 tie at 7:21 of the third period. But North Bays Kaitlyn McManus sent the game to overtime in dramatic fashion, scoring with 13 seconds left in regulation. Sabrina Picard made 22 saves for the Ice Boltz (2-0-0), the Ontario representatives at the tournament. Tatum Shand stopped 26 shots for the Rebels (1-0-1), who represent the West region. Later Monday, the Pacific regions Edmonton Thunder improved to 2-0-0 with a 4-1 victory ovver the Atlantics Metro Boston Pizza, while host Fraser Valley Phantom dropped a 5-1 decision to Quebecs LHFDQ.dddddddddddd Amy Boucher, with two, Taylor Hughson and Nicole Gorda scored for Edmonton, while Laura Polak replied for Metro (0-2-0). Tracie Kikuchi stopped 20 shots for the win, with Katherine Purchase making 28 saves in defeat. Meanwhile, Eve-Audrey Picard scored twice for LHFDQ (1-1-0), while Tammy-Lee Corbeil, Alyson Matteau and Audrey Belzile had the other goals for the Quebec squad. Samantha Schwarz replied for Fraser Valley (0-2-0) in a game that featured 19 penalties. Valerie Lamenta made 27 saves for the win. Laticia Castillo stopped 31 shots in defeat. ' ' '

LONGUEUIL, Que. -- Montreal Canadiens greats gathered to remember one of their own on Saturday, longtime captain and Hall of Famer Emile (Butch) Bouchard. The funeral for the four-time Stanley Cup winner, who died last Saturday at age 92, was held at a church in Longueuil, just off the island of Montreal where he grew up. Montreal native and current Canadiens winger Mathieu Darche was too young to have watched Bouchard, but said he heard stories from his parents and grandparents. "He was one of the greats," he said before the funeral. "Its these kinds of players that created a winning history for the Canadiens." The church was packed with family, friends, members of the Canadiens organization, including owner Geoff Molson, and fans decked out in Habs gear. "He means so much to the organization," Molson said. "Its great to see a (92-year-old) person who has such a great impact, who brings old and new generations of hockey people to this event. Its a sign of a great person." A giant Canadiens logo was placed to the side of his casket and Habs ushers greeted mourners at the church entrance. Bouchard, a defenceman, scored 49 goals in 785 games during his 15-year NHL career, captaining the Habs for eight seasons before retiring in 1956. The Canadiens won the Stanley Cup four times while Bouchard was with the team, twice while he was captain. Former teammate Dickie Moore, 81, said Bouchard helped him starting out as a rookie with the Canadiens. "He was the greatest captain that I had," said Moore. "He was a real gentleman." For Habs fans, Bouchard remains a symbol of the teams glory years, when he skated alongside Maurice Richard and other stars. Despite his success, Bouchard had to wait 43 years to have his No. 3 jersey retired. After a campaign spurred by his family, he was honoured alongside fellow Habs great Elmer Lach before the teams centennial game on Dec. 4, 2009. "He wasnt a big star, but he was a real leader," said Guy Gagne, a 72-year-old fan wearing a Habs baseball cap, who came to pay his respects. Bouchard wasnt initially banking on a career in hockey. But the rugged six-foot-two, 205-pound Bouchard quickly got noticed and the Canadiens offered him his first professional contract to play with their minor league club in Providence, R.I. He played 12 games for the team in 1940-41. The following season he earned a spot on the blue-line and played the next 15 years with the Habs, gaining a reputation as one of the hardest hitters of the era. After retiring, he became a successful businessman and a community leader where he settled in Longueuil. He also served as president of the Montreal Royals of baseballs International League. For years, he owned and operated a restaurant in downtown Montreal. It was a mainstay in the area, and a frequent gathering place for players. "He was a great captain and a great person," said fellow Habs defenceman Serge Savard, who began playing after Bouchard retired and used to come by the restaurant after games. "He used to give us advice... like protect your smaller stars. And thats what he did." Bouchard married painter Marie-Claire Macbeth in 1946 and had five children, including son Pierre, who also played for the Habs. Wholesale Jerseys . Miguel Cabrera became the first player to reach 100 RBIs this season with a run-scoring single and Fister pitched eight strong innings for the Detroit Tigers in an 8-4 win over the Minnesota Twins. Wholesale NHL Jerseys . -- Tom Kite has set a USGA championship, nine-hole record with a 28 and finished at 5-under 65 to take the early first-round lead at the U. http://www.wholesalesportsjerseysshop.com/ . Pierce said Tuesday that ligaments and a muscle in his left foot are torn, adding he has been told he should be back in action in no more than four weeks. Wholesale Hockey Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. Hockey Jerseys China . Kevin-Prince Boateng almost rescued a point for Milan in stoppage time but his effort crashed off the right post. Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini could also have scored in a frantic finale but his effort was cleared off the line by Sampdoria defender Daniele Gastaldello.Canadas loss has turned out to be Major League Soccers gain. Frank Yallop, former Canadian international and national team coach, has his San Jose Earthquakes in first place in the MLSs Western Conference. And the 48-year-old Yallop has joined the select club of managers with 100 wins in MLS. "Hes proven himself to be one of the elite coaches in MLS," said Thomas Rongen, director of Toronto FCs academy who brought the former Ipswich Town defender into the North American league for its inaugural season in 1996. The way Yallop has won in San Jose this year also stands as a blueprint for success. Ownership believes in him, the players want to play for him and the Quakes have shown a good eye for talent. San Jose (6-1-1) won 2-1 in Philadelphia on Saturday, victory No. 101 of Yallops MLS coaching career. He reached the milestone the previous week in a 3-1 win over visiting Real Salt Lake, joining Sigi Schmid (161 wins), Bruce Arena (131), Bob Bradley (124), Steve Nicol (112) and Dominic Kinnear (102). Not one to blow his own horn, Yallop sees victories as a measure of team success rather than an individual accolade. His pleasure comes from helping players progress. But hes proud to join the 100-win coaching club -- and of the reaction he got in doing so. "You realize how may friends you have in football and outside of football that contact you," he said. Yallops easygoing hand at the helm has earned him lots of loyalty over the years. He keeps things simple, establishes a system, boosts confidence and rewards in-form players with playing time. "I think what he does best is he takes the pressure off of the players," says Toronto FC forward Ryan Johnson, who spent 3 1/2 seasons in San Jose with Yallop. "Hes always saying things like Just go out there and play. Do what you did to get you where you are. Work on what youre good at, where your strengths are. Elaborate on those things. Because weaknesses are weaknesses. But if you do what got you here, youll be fine. "He gives you confidence to show who you are and express who you are as a player individually," Johnson added. Said Rongen: "Hes a players coach ... he knows how to motivate people around him." Yallop has had two stints as coach in San Jose (2001-03 and 2008-present), sandwiched around running the Canadian national team (2004-06) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2006-07). He was MLS Coach of the Year in 2001 after taking over a San Jose team with a league-worst 7-17-8 record in 2000 and leading it to the MLS Cup in 2001. He also won the MLS Cup in 2003, compiling a 41-2-8 record in his first three years in San Jose. Yallops golden touch did not manifest itself with the national team, which went 8-9-3 under his guidance and disappointed again in World Cup qualifying. In his defence, he had little time ahead of the qualifying process and few games to prepare a player pool that chafed under the rigidity of former coach Holger Osieck. Yallop did succeed in showing North American-based players they were welcome in the national team setup and helped make national team duty enjoyable again. "We come here and were not treated like kids," Paul Peschisolido said ahead of a World Cup qualifying game with Belize in 2004. "A different vibe," added Nick Dasovic. Still Yallop had his standards. "Take care of yourself. You know what you need to do as a player," he said back then. "Because Ill see on the field if youre any good or not. If youre not playing well, youre not playing." Yallop prefers to look forward rather than back when it comes to Canada, but its clear he relishes the day-to-day challenges of club management. "I like being around the game, I like being around people, Im social, I do enjoy that," Yallop said. "I dont want to be sitting doing anything by myself, it drives me crazy. In five minutes I have to go out and start talking to somebody. "If you ask the people I work with, I drive them nuts but I think thats part of my makeup. I do like social interaction, I like running teams, I like being around the fellows and trying to win games, I think thats what drives me on." Yallops coaching skills are shown in how he has built his current squad. The Earthquakes finished seventh in the West last season with an 8-12-14 record. But he thought, with the right additions, the team was on the verge of something better. Its a lesson struggling Toronto FC could learn from. TFC (6-13-15) finished just five points behind San Jose last season and thought great things lay ahead. Instead, Toronto has stumbled to a league-worst 0-7-0 start, although the dire record does not do the team justice.dddddddddddd "This league is a funny league," said Yallop, who opted not to discuss Toronto FCs predicament directly. "Its not easy to pick teams in and to win in. Sometimes theres a very thin line between winning and losing. "I felt we played well last year. We only had eight wins, 14 draws. Turn eight of those draws into wins and all of a sudden youre like We have a great team here." Yallop remade his roster wisely, bringing in midfielder Shea Salinas (Vancouver), Honduran defender Victor Bernandez, Honduran midfielder Marvin Chavez (FC Dallas), Colombian midfielder Tressor Moreno and midfielder Jean-Marc Alexandre (Real Salt Lake). American defender Ike Opara is back from injury. Forward Steven Lenhart, named MLS player of the week Monday for his two-goal performance in Philadelphia, is back from personal leave after the death of his father. And forward Chris Wondolowski continues to be a goal machine. While he was kept off the scoresheet in Philadelphia, he has eight goals in eight games this season. And prior to Saturday, he had scored 16 goals in 16 games. "Unbelievable," said Yallop. There are no designated players in San Jose, a franchise that watches its pennies while it awaits a new stadium. Yallop credits San Joses ownership and front office for showing faith in him. "You work better under good circumstances -- and when you are wanted and supported." That showed last August when a struggling San Jose came to Toronto and emerged with a 1-1 tie after an 87th-minute goal by Wondolowski. The Quakes (5-10-11) had lost four of their last five outings coming into BMO Field and the Toronto tie still extended the Earthquakes team-record MLS winless streak to 13 games. Still Yallop, comfortable in the knowledge that ownership had his back, saw the positive in his teams fightback that day. "What I liked about our squad was we kept going. Thats a good trait to have as a team," he said after the game. "Weve done it all along. Weve not quit, weve not given up." San Jose president Dave Kaval praised Yallop in a statement last week after the Quakes scored two stoppage-time goals to defeat Real Salt Lake for the coachs 100th win. "We are fortunate as an organization to have such a great leader. Frank leads with confidence and integrity and everyone associated with the club is proud to have such a presence in the locker-room." Yallop credits former Ipswich managers Sir Bobby Robson and John Lyall, now both deceased, for influencing his style on the sidelines. "I just go back to how I was handled by certain managers. There are certain ones I thought, You know what, thats fantastic. No matter what, you still feel part of it. Hes explaining why. "I think it doesnt always come natural to people, but I felt it did to me. I just felt comfortable talking to players, not snubbing them and just giving then an answer or explanation of whats going on. "Every time I start a season, my doors wide open, I dont even close it, so please come in and talk and chat. Ill give you every bit of information I can on whats going on at the club and whats going on with you as an individual. "I think the open communications there. I enjoy talking to players, I really do." His approach to coaching also includes sticking to your guns during the down times. "Make sure you never lose faith in what youre doing as coach, and I never did. Eventually you kind to get to the team you feel is capable of winning games in MLS." Again, its advice that makes one think of Toronto. Yallop was 34 when he returned to North America to join Rongens Tampa Bay Mutiny team, looking to "play for a few years and enjoy my football without the stress of the competitiveness" of the game in England. He started work on his coaching badges, becoming an assistant in Tampa in 1999 before joining Rongen at D.C. United. "It was clear during his playing days that he would make a very good coach," said Rongen, citing his leadership, convictions, soccer smarts and people skills. Yallop is typically self-deprecating when asked what led him to coaching. "Well probably because Im not very bright," he said. "I hate to say it that way but educationally I left school at Grade 10 and I didnt finish high school or do anything. I took my O levels, English and math in England, so I didnt think I would a rocket scientist, thats for sure. But I felt Id stay in football in some capacity and it worked out that way. "I like being around the game." ' ' '

There will be rising stars, familiar faces and veteran curlers in the field at next months Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Several top rinks recently qualified for the 12-team competition at Kingstons K-Rock Centre. Albertas Heather Nedohin is back to defend her title and shell be challenged by Manitobas Jennifer Jones, B.C.s Kelly Scott, Mary-Anne Arsenault of Nova Scotia and Suzanne Birt of Prince Edward Island. Nedohin, who defeated Scott in last years final in Red Deer, Alta., said shell be comfortable with the additional pressure that comes with wearing the Maple Leaf jersey as the Team Canada entry. "I know what its like to play against Team Canada -- everybody raises their game," Nedohin said Tuesday from Sherwood Park, Alta. "But that also raises our game." Ontarios Rachel Homan has enjoyed a successful season and will get a boost from the home crowd at the Feb. 16-24 event. The Ottawa skip, who won the national junior title in 2010, will be making her second Scotties appearance. The Northwest Territories/Yukon entry will be led by Kerry Galusha, who will be competing in her 11th Canadian championship. Kristie Moore will skip the Alberta rink and Allison Ross will guide the Quebec side. Saskatchewans Jill Shumay and Newfoundland and Labradors Stacie Devereaux are also in the field. New Brunswicks entry will be confirmed Sunday. Shumay is making her tournament debut while Ross and Moore are skipping at the Scotties for the first time. "I think its a really good field," Scott said from Kelowna, B.C. "I think its hard to know how the teams who have never been there before, how they will adapt to that environment. "But obviously anybody who wins their province and beats the teams within their province, certainly you know they can play." Jones finished first in the round robin last year but lost to Nedohin in the Page playoff and had to settle for bronze. Nedohin edged Scott 7-6 in the final. "Once we get to the Scotties, no matter what province or territory were from, the game rises," Nedohin said. "Everybody is out there to win." The Alberta skip went on to represent Canada at the Ford world womens curling championship in Lethbridge. She finished third behind Sweden and champion Switzerland. Nedohin also reached the world championships in 1998 as a third on Cathy Borsts rink. Jones will be making her 10th appearance at the Scotties. The 2008 world champion has won the national title on four occasions. The Nova Scotia rink is also loaded with experience. Arsenault will be playing in her 11th national championship. She has reunited with vice-skip Colleen Jones and second Kim Kelly, who will throw third. They teamed with Nancy Delahunt to win five Scotties and two world championships. Jones, who will be making a record 21st appearance at the tournament, is the third but will be throwing second. Jen Baxter is the lead and Delahunt is the fifth player. "I think theyre going to be a hoot, theyre going to be so much fun," Scott said. "Theyll probably lighten up the field a bit as far as their approach to the game. Theyre true competitors but theyre also a lot of fun." The winner of the 2013 Scotties will represent Canada at the March 16-24 world playdowns in Riga, Latvia. In mens play, this years Tim Hortons Brier is scheduled for March 2-10 at Rexall Place in Edmonton. The winner of that event will represent Canada at the mens world championship March 30-April 7 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. Hockey Jerseys China . -- Japanese teenager Yuzuru Hanyu dominated the short program Friday night at Skate America. Wholesale Jerseys . The Rogers Centre roof was having difficulty closing on Tuesday but the Toronto Blue Jays had even more trouble with the surging Baltimore Orioles who pounded out a 12-0 victory. http://www.wholesalesportsjerseysshop.com/ . Nesbitt finished in one minute 56.07 seconds, well ahead of defending champion Ireen Wust of the Netherlands, who was second in 1:56.40. Wusts teammate Linda de Vries was third in 1:57. Wholesale Hockey Jerseys . Saskatchewan announced a deal Friday with the defensive back/kick returner, who joined the Riders last season in a trade with the Edmonton Eskimos. Jerseys China Cheap . The new rule allows a player placed on the list to return to practice after six weeks, but not play for at least eight. If McGahee were to return in eight weeks, he would be available in the AFC Championship Game, should the 7-3 Broncos make it that far.The Brooklyn Nets hired Jason Kidd as their coach Wednesday, bringing the former star back to the franchise he led to its greatest NBA success. Kidd retired earlier this month after one season with the New York Knicks, his 19th in the NBA. The Nets decided to hire him to replace P.J. Carlesimo despite his absence of coaching experience. "Jason Kidd has a long and legendary history with the Nets and with the city of New York," Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement. "He has the fire in the belly we need, and has achieved as a player everything the Brooklyn Nets are striving to achieve. We believe he will lead us there. Welcome home, Jason." The move reunites Kidd with the franchise he led to consecutive NBA Finals in 2002-03, when they played in New Jersey. He spent 6 1/2 seasons with the Nets, averaging 14.6 points, 9.1 assists and 7.2 rebounds, and is their career leader in numerous statistical categories. "Jason is a proven winner and leader with an incredible wealth of basketball knowledge and experience," general manager Billy King said. "This will be a natural transition for him to move into the role of head coach, as he embodies the tough, smart and team-first mentality that we are trying to establish in Brooklyn." Terms of the deal that made Kidd the 18th coach in franchise history were not disclosed.dddddddddddd The Nets will introduce Kidd on Thursday during a press conference at Barclays Center. Carlesimo wasnt retained after leading the Nets into the playoffs, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls in the first round. He went 35-19 after replacing Avery Johnson, who was fired in December. The 40-year-old Kidd was considered one of the smartest players in the NBA, which he believes will help him make the transition into coaching. "This is a tremendous opportunity to be named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, and its a role I have been studying for over the course of my playing days," Kidd said. "Championship teams are built on being prepared, playing unselfishly and being held accountable, and thats how I expect to coach this basketball team." The Nets interviewed him this week and chose him as their coach after talking with Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw earlier Wednesday. Kidd has a close friendship with Nets point guard Deron Williams and the respect of many in the organization for his achievements as a player. He is second on the NBAs career list in assists and steals, won an NBA title with Dallas and has two Olympic gold medals. ' ' '

Throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL on TSN analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan ranks the netminders after each game night. Number values assigned are out of five with five being the best performance. Tuukka Rask - 4 – Rask was not as busy or forced to make as many big saves as Henrik Lundqvist, but his ability to control his game was on display again. It was clear the Rangers were targeting his blocker side, as I counted no less than a dozen shots to the high blocker, but Rask had two big saves on shots that targeted that high blocker/shoulder by Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. Any other shot that was put his way was calmly controlled with his glove and solid rebound control. He had no chance on the Rangers goal: good positioning but redirected through a screen. Henrik Lundqvist - 4 – Lundqvist was the only reason this game was close. Take your pick on big saves: the Seguin breakaway, Kelly breakaway, Jagr robbing in front, glove save on Campbell; I counted six ten-bell saves that he made just to keep the Rangers close. The only way he can be beat is the way the Bruins got to him: traffic in front to create screens. On both goals he couldnt see and lost the puck. Jonathan Quick - 4 - Of the 20 shots he had faced through the first half of the game, he had made four big saves. A right shoulder save that was redirected in front was a reactionary save, but his best was a glove-save on Joe Pavelski where his positioning was perfect: he gave glove and took it away. Aggressive all game long, Quick played a foot outside his crease most of the night. Antti Niemi - 4 – Niemi watched the first half of the game; he was not tested, but he had to endure an onslaught of shots in the third. His post crease play was great. His ice coverage is his strength, and Los Angeles did not shy away from trying to beat him there. If the Kings are to get to him, they have to target his Achilles heel: blocker side above the pad. Cheap Jerseys . The Canadian lefty sat 31st after firing a 1-over 73 at the Aloha Course on Friday, leaving him five shots behind leader Eduardo De La Riva. Cheap Jerseys China . -- Peyton Mannings new position coach is Greg Knapp, a veteran of nearly two decades in the NFL.GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The latest New York Ranger was engulfed by two semicircles of reporters and television cameras on Wednesday. And its only July. Welcome to New York, Rick Nash. Nash, acquired from Columbus Monday in the off-seasons most important trade, met with reporters at the Rangers training facility two days after the deal, as he tried to get acclimated to his new surroundings. It wont be easy. Nash, the Blue Jackets all-time leader in 16 categories, has been to the post-season only once in his career, and now joins a team with aspirations of the Stanley Cup. "I dont think its all digested just yet," Nash said. "Its been a bit crazy. Im excited. Im excited to meet all the staff here, all the people and some of the players. Just kind of look forward to training camp." The Rangers were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, and advanced to the third round before falling to New Jersey in six games. They hope to get over the top next season, and with Nash, they have a much better chance. Nash is a five-time All-Star and won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHLs leading goal scorer after the 2003-04 season, in which he scored 41 times. He is the Blue Jackets leader in games played (674), goals (289), assists (258), points (574), power-play goals (83), short-handed goals (14) and game-winning goals (44). Those numbers, though, came with a team that swam through mediocrity -- at best -- in the Western Conference. Now, hes on a club loaded with stars and expectations. And oh yeah, hes going to play for one of the leagues more fiery coaches, John Tortorella, who is famous for rigorous off-season training. "Ive heard that a couple times now, so Ill definitely be practicing. I think its important. Each coach and each team has their own little thing for training camp. I think its great," Nash said. "Guys have to be in top shape to play at the top level." Nash even spoke with Columbus centre Vinny Prospal about playing for Tortorella. Prospal played for the coach in both Tampa Bay and New York. "Vinny just texted me an hour ago and I talked to him before that when we were in Columbus, training together. He loved it here. He said it was one of the best parts of his career playing here and he loves (Tortorella)," Nash said. "My understanding is that he is very demanding and a tough guy to play for. He preaches hard work and thats what you expect from a coach. Thats what you want." Nash spoke with Tortorella after the deal, along with some of his new teammates: goaltender Hennrik Lundqvist, defenceman Marc Staal, and forwards Ryan Callahan and Brad Richards.dddddddddddd "He called me right after the deal went down," Nash said of Tortorella. "I thought it was great. Hes really intense but he seemed really helpful. He told me that if I need anything or if I had any questions to make sure to call him." To acquire Nash, New York packaged forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenceman Tim Erixon and their 2013 first-round pick. Along with Nash, the Rangers received minor league defenceman Steven Delisle and a conditional third round pick in next Junes draft. New York and Columbus had been talking about a proposed Nash trade since the trade deadline last February, and finally came to a midsummer solution. "You look at huge deals and sometimes they get done in a day and sometimes it takes months .I think it was a pretty big trade for both organizations and it had to get done right," Nash said. "I respect that." Joe Resnick, Nashs agent, said that his discussions with Columbus general manager Scott Howson intensified after former New Jersey forward Zach Parise signed a 13-year, $98 million contract with the Minnesota Wild. As part of his talks with Howson -- Resnick estimated that the two spoke once or twice a week since the season ended -- the agent pointed out that Columbus training camp would have been a circus had Nash still been with the team. "That was something we tried to stress," Resnick said. "Weve been professional but we dont want to be a distraction. All training camp would have been what happened, and what would have happened?" Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and San Jose joined the Rangers on Nashs list of preferred destinations. Howson had discussions with Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray and Carolinas Jim Rutherford regarding a trade for Nash, as well. But neither Nash nor Resnick would go into detail about the other teams. "Were happy that it was a team on the list," Resnick said. "Our list was our list." And to be fair, it doesnt much matter anymore. From here on in, hes Ranger Rick, and thats it. "The main thing was looking at the (Rangers), looking at what they did over the last couple of years, something that I loved to be a part of and to help them out," Nash said. "Hockey is truly a passion here, where they expect a championship-calibre team. "Theyve done everything they can as an organization to put that together." ' ' '

OAKLAND, Calif. Wholesale Broncos Jerseys . -- Pitcher Brandon McCarthy is ready for a normal off-season after being medically cleared this week to resume his regular routine, less than three months after being struck in the head by a line drive and undergoing emergency brain surgery. "Everythings good," McCarthy said by telephone Thursday. "This last month I have taken the rest part very seriously. I have a couple little projects Ive picked up, I read -- Im actually really good at being lazy. It kind of worked out well timing wise." McCarthy, a free agent right-hander who was Oaklands opening-day starter last March in Tokyo, spent Monday and Tuesday undergoing extensive evaluations by renowned concussion expert, Dr. Michael Collins, at the University of Pittsburgh. He returned to his Dallas-area home Wednesday and was cleared by Collins to begin working out. "Today Ill start doing something, easing in and starting the program they gave me," McCarthy said. "Next week Ill be heading back to where I usually work out." McCarthy took a line drive to the right side of his head off the bat of the Los Angeles Angels Erick Aybar on Sept. 5. The 29-year-old McCarthy sustained an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture on the play, then underwent a two-hour surgery at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. After the frightening ordeal, the club initially referred to McCarthys situation as "life-threatening." Now, he checks in with Dr. Collins once a week to let him know that everything is going well, or if something seems a little off. McCarthys concussion symptoms have subsided, but he still has to use caution and take notice of everything when exerting himself. "Going to Dr. Collins kind of confirmed all that, youre back to where youd be at normally," McCarthy said. "As I go back to working out, as long as I feel fine, Im pretty much on my own. Ill slowly ease back into working out, then jump back into my full program." McCarthy went 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA this year in his sixth big league season and second with the As. McCarthy was 9-9 with a 3.32 ERA last season. He plans to begin playing catch next month, then throw bullpens starting in January if all continues to go well. The San Francisco Chronicle first reported he had been cleared to resume baseball activities. "It worked out well I recovered in the time I did," McCarthy said. "This shouldnt be something lingers into the off-season." The AL West champion As have received regular updates on McCarthys condition, and he could still be a good option to re-sign as long as the medical reports remain positive. McCarthy plans to let the process play out in time -- knowing his case isnt as it would be had he not been hurt late in the year with such a scary injury that left plenty questioning whether he would ever pitch again. The support from the As front office, medical staff, coaches, teammates and fans has meant so much to McCarthy and his wife, Amanda. "Its definitely not something Id rule out," he said of staying with Oakland. "The timing is a little strange going into free agency for the first time, having different options, waiting to see where youre at health wise. Well listen to everybody. Its a whirlwind. But (Oakland), its absolutely a place Id love to be." wholesale jerseys free shipping .S. Open with a 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-3 victory Wednesday over Somdev Devvarman. Murray, in search of his first grand slam title, was leading top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the final at Cincinnati earlier this month when Djokovic retired with a shoulder injury for only his second loss of the year. Cheap Ravens Jerseys . - Airing things out among themselves had the desired effect for the Los Angeles Lakers. http://www.wholesalesportsjerseysmall.com/ . Someone asked the Boston Red Sox pitcher what he will remember most about this season, and without hesitation he whispered a one-word answer. Broncos China Jerseys . Instead of playing a conservative draw and conceding a steal of one point to Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories skip attempted a low percentage takeout and gave up four. Cheap Broncos Jerseys . Samardo Samuels led Cleveland with 14 points and Donald Sloan added 13. The Cavaliers had six players score in double figures. Bobby Brown scored a game-high 22 points for Siena while Matt Janning added 21. DENVER -- Andre Miller filled a gaping hole in his basketball resume Saturday. "Ive never hit a game-winning shot," the 37-year-old guard said after sinking a nifty layup with just over a second left that gave the Denver Nuggets a 97-95 win over the Golden State Warriors in their playoff opener. Not in high school. Not in college. Not in his 13 NBA seasons. "Never," Miller repeated. "Ive taken a couple and missed or turned the ball over. But that was big for a first playoff game." With the youthful Nuggets in danger of losing at home for the first time in more than three months, Miller stepped up and scored 18 of his playoff career-high 28 points in the frenetic fourth quarter that made up for a plodding start to this much-anticipated series between two of the NBAs highest-octane teams. The sixth-seeded Warriors trailed 93-92 when Stephen Curry was pick-pocketed by Ty Lawson, whose layup made it a three-point game with 35 seconds remaining. Curry, who shot his way into NBA history by sinking a record 272 3-pointers this season, got a whistling pass from Jarrett Jack in the left corner and swished a contested 3 with Lawson all over him and 14 seconds left. "Thats a tough shot," Lawson said. "He pumped-faked, I still contested it and he knocked it down. Thats what he does." With the game tied at 95, Denver called timeout and coach George Karl started going through the options. "We were all looking at each other. Andre was hot, we were kind of like, Why dont we just get out of the way and let Andre have the ball," Corey Brewer recounted. "Thats what happened. He had Draymond Green on him and we kind of like those odds." So do the Warriors. "We like that matchup for Draymond to come in and get that stop for us," Curry said. "He just made a quick adjustment at the end to get the ball on the backboard." And for once, a game-winner fluttered through the net for Miller. "A very crafty guy," Green said. "I thought I was in front of him and he made one slithery move and just get a half a step on me and thats all he needed to finish the shot." The Warriors had no timeouts left, so they inbounded the ball and Currys desperation shot wasnt close as the horn sounded and the Nuggets swarmed the veteran. "Im never surprised with Andre Miller," Brewer said. "I say hes unguardable. They always talk about these Kobe, LeBron, if you give Andre Miller the ball hes one of the toughest guys to guard in NBA." Game 2 is Tuesday night at the Pepsi Center, where the Nuggets posted an NBA-best 38-3 home record during the season and have a franchise-best 24-game winning streak -- barely. "It could have went either way tonight so we have to be better prepared on Tuesday," Miller said. Miller is one of Karls favourite players. "I just love him," Karl said. "Hes an incredible playmaker. He loves to make people better, loves to make his team better. When the game is in that guts and glory situation, Andre is pretty damn good." Miller and Karl would like nothing more than to win that elusive rring together, but first Miller has to make it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career, the next item on his to-do list now that hes tasted the exhilaration of a game-winning basket. Cheap Texans Jerseys. "I think this is probably the best opportunity ... to get out of the first round," Miller said. The Warriors showed him it wasnt going to be a cakewalk. But they werent boasting, either. Not only did they drop a heartbreaker and a chance to snatch the home-court advantage from the leagues best home team but they also lost All-Star big man David Lee to a possible right hip flexor strain in the fourth quarter. Lee banged into JaVale McGee on a drive to the hoop and winced in pain as he landed on his right hip. After gathering himself, he shot both free throws, then couldnt run back downcourt and was taken for X-rays. Lee finished with 10 points and 14 rebounds, all but two off the defensive glass. Klay Thompson led Golden State with 22 points and Curry had 19 -- after missing his first nine shots. Jarrett Jack added 10 points and 10 assists. Centre Andrew Bogut, whos been bothered by a bone bruise on his surgically repaired left ankle, had 14 boards and nine points for the Warriors. After Miller, none of the Nuggets scored more than a dozen points as Denver missed 13 of 16 3-pointers and 10 free throws. The fantastic fourth quarter followed a plodding first 2 1/2 quarters that wasnt anything like the run-and-run game everyone expected from these two teams. That notion fizzled in the first half with a rash of poor shooting, turnovers and debatable calls. Denver would have matched its lowest point total for a first half if not for Wilson Chandlers breakaway basket at the buzzer that pulled the third-seeded Nuggets to 48-44 at halftime. Not having their best free-throw shooter in Danilo Gallinari (out with an ACL injury) and their top rebounder in Kenneth Faried (ankle), whos day to day, didnt help. But the Nuggets pulled out another close one at home, where they havent lost since Jan. 18. Golden State coach Mark Jackson played in plenty of playoff games but this was his post-season coaching debut. He said he had no butterflies, however, because his team is the heavy underdog and "If I was picking, Id pick them to win it. Id pick them to win this series." Karl freely admitted he was a bundle of nerves before tip-off: "Im nervous for summer league games, so why wouldnt I be nervous for this game?" Turns out he had good reason to fret, but thanks to Millers clutch play no reason to lament a loss. "Our personality is young. But we believe, we trust, we fight," Karl said. "Would I like to have an easier game? Hell, yeah, Id like to have an easier game. Playoff basketball isnt about easy games. Were trying to figure out our personality without Kenneth. Andre Miller was the man tonight." NOTES: The Warriors 55 rebounds were the most against Denver in a playoff game in 19 years and the Nuggets were limited to a season-low five second-chance points. ... Chandler posted his first career playoff double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. ' ' '