Scouting combine shows NFL's global progress

INDIANAPOLIS | Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah knew nothing about the NFL when he was growing up. Now, he could be a first-round pick in April's draft.

Chelios leads class of 5 into US hockey hall

CHICAGO | Mount Carmel product Chris Chelios led a class of five inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night.

A hockey heritage: Andy Bathgate's grandson

TORONTO | The coach is more than happy to get someone with a strong work ethic and good skills. The coach also wouldn't mind hearing a few stories.

Burrows readies for Cup finals with lots on mind

VANCOUVER, British Columbia | Alex Burrows took a day off from hockey, but not from his thoughts as he gets ready to play in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time.

Canucks grab 3-1 series lead over Predators

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | Ryan Kesler broke a tie with a power-play goal at 7:28 of the third period, and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Nashville Predators 4-2 on Thursday night to take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Lightning backup Smith shuts out Blackhawks

CHICAGO | Backup Mike Smith made 31 saves for his first shutout in more than a year, and Vincent Lecavalier scored a power-play goal in the first period before leaving with an injury in the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2-0 win over the Blackhawks on Sunday night.

NHL GMs to discuss why concussions are on the rise

NEW YORK | Blindside hits to the head are down in the NHL, yet concussions are up. Now general managers have to decide if more rules are needed to make pro hockey safer.

Air Canada threatens to pull NHL sponsorship

DALLAS | In an unusually public faceoff between a pro sports league and one of its major sponsors, Air Canada has threatened to pull support for the National Hockey League, saying that violent play on the ice hurts the airline's brand image.

Premier, sponsor assail NHL for on-ice violence

MONTREAL | Criticism of the NHL's handling of on-ice violence mounted Friday, with Quebec's premier and another major sponsor joining those who already have told the league that it needs to do more to protect its players.