WEDNESDAY EYE-OPENER

Former Montreal Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau has died. He was 83 years old. Beliveau played 18 seasons for the Habs scoring 507 goals. He was the captain for 10 season while winning 10 Stanley Cups in the process. He retired in 1971.

—

Gordie Howe’s son says that his dad didn’t have a stroke on Monday. The man known as Mr. Hockey reportedly suffered a significant stroke and was hospitalized earlier Tuesday. However, Mark Howe says that an MRI revealed the results. He added that the family is planning on releasing a statement with further information.

—

In NHL play, it was Josh Jooris that stole the show in Calgary. The rookie had a hat trick to lead the Flames to a 5-2 win over Arizona. Calgary has now won seven of its last nine games. David Jones and Sean Monahan also scored for the Flames, who are one point behind Anaheim in the West standings.

—

Elsewhere, Daniel Sedin had a pair of goals on the power play in Vancouver’s 4-3 win over Washington. The Leafs continued to win at home with a 5-3 victory over Dallas. It was their fourth-straight at the Air Canada Centre. The Islanders edged Ottawa 3-2 in overtime after a goal from defenceman Thomas Hickey.

—

In the NBA, the Raptors snapped a two-game skid with a 117-109 win over Sacramento. Kyle Lowry had a game-high 27 points and hit a big shot with under a minute left. Terrence Ross had 20 points and James Johnson added 19 points for Toronto

—

The Blue Jays made some roster moves. They decided not to tender three players contracts before the December 2nd deadline. Outfielders Andy Dirks and John Mayberry Jr., along with first baseman Justin Smoak are now free agents after not receiving offers from the club.

(CP)