oG+^O_ Zя̍Suޱ 3uXq+^J&^\0:ƙVTqRMP\Ev+,}9~%Y
;bWri(i3 ݉RL;ݫI gnnFN/33.JfKfUu +o0F$~ ȱ (jnEFFcDWT%TU ؆9kG#k1|͙{ ng/ʈZ7,@bٍF)X´;9tt 'i'0 wIV:إIx\YUg; pVWLƾ}I:&>[wlT9Ae 0$>"IvwF) lRn-w. D'U
oG+^O_ Zя̍Suޱ 3uXq+^J&^\0:ƙVTqRMP\Ev+,}9~%Y
;bWri(i3 ݉RL;ݫI gnnFN/33.JfKfUu +o0F$~ ȱ (jnEFFArticle content Every Christmas, John Tavares thinks of Ottawa. The last days of 2008, to be specific, and the first few of 2009. It soon will be 16 years since Tavares helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the world junior hockey championship, a triumph that was marked by Jordan Eberle’s stunning tying goal against Russia in the semifinals and Canada’s 5-1 romp over Sweden for gold. Tavares, whose work along the boards helped led to the goal by Eberle, was second in tournament scoring with 15 points, one behind Canada teammate Cody Hodgson, and was named most valuable player in the event. That came a year after Tavares helped Canada win world-junior gold in the Czech Republic. “I remember the atmosphere in Ottawa was absolutely tremendous,” Tavares told the Toronto Sun before the Maple Leafs began their three-day Christmas break. “A few games were pretty remarkable in how they unfolded. And that’s what makes the world junior great, is the unpredictability, the type of atmosphere, especially when it’s played in Canada. “Classics — it’s amazing how many classic hockey games have been played in those circumstances with what’s at stake.” Canada’s games in Group A at the 2025 world junior in Ottawa get underway on Thursday against Finland. Next comes Latvia on Friday and Germany on Sunday before Canada meets its arch-rival on New Year’s Eve, the United States, at 8 p.m. Tavares, naturally, will be paying close attention to what Easton Cowan does for Canada. Cowan and Czech forward Miroslav Holinka, a fifth-round pick by Toronto in 2024, are the lone Leafs prospects taking part in Ottawa. Holinka, a centre, has 21 points in 23 games with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League. Cowan is riding a 56-game point streak with the London Knights and as a returning player on the national team, will be expected to help carry much of the load on offence. It’s his second attempt at world-junior gold, as he was on the Canadian team last year that lost to the Czechs in the quarterfinals in Sweden. “It’s incredible talent, young players who are going through a lot and taking the next step,” Tavares said. “Wishing him nothing but the best. “I know my boys (sons Jace and Axton) will be really excited to watch the tournament and excited for him as they got to know him a little bit during the summer. We’re thrilled and really hope they bring home gold.” The majority of Leafs on the current roster participated in the world junior, and their experiences run a full range. Max Domi played a major role in Canada’s win in Toronto in 2015 and was named the top forward in the tournament in after he had 10 points in 11 games. A year later in Helsinki, Auston Matthews tied for the U.S. scoring lead with Matthew Tkachuk with 11 points each and was named to the tournament all-star team. Oddly, Matthews didn’t have a point in the bronze-medal game, despite the Americans’ 8-3 domination against Sweden. William Nylander suffered an upper-body injury for Sweden that year and played in just one game. Mitch Marner wouldn’t have fond memories of the 2016 event either, as Canada finished sixth after losing to Finland in the quarterfinals. The future Leafs superstar tied with Dylan Strome for the Canada scoring lead with six points each. Morgan Rielly was on the 2013 team that finished fourth in Ufa, Russia, a disappointing end for Canada considering National Hockey League players were locked out and countries had all junior-aged players available. The outcome was a lot more enjoyable for Jake McCabe, who was the captain of the U.S. team that beat Sweden for the gold medal. McCabe was named to the tournament all-star team. Joseph Woll was the backup on the 2017 U.S. team that beat Canada in the gold-medal final in a shootout in Montreal; a year later in Buffalo, Conor Timmins was on the ice for all three of Canada’s goals in a 3-1 win against Sweden in the gold-medal game. For Tavares, the chance to play for Pat Quinn in 2009 in Ottawa was a career highlight. Quinn, who passed away in 2014, coached Canada’s under-18 team to gold the year before he was named coach of the national junior team. “I grew up watching him coach the Leafs and then I got to have him as a coach in that stage and that event, and he was fantastic,” Tavares said. “It was amazing the way he kept us all under control, he was level-headed and he had a great sense of humour as well. I always remember that about him. “At that age, to have someone so accomplished as a player and as a coach, someone you looked up to, I’m very grateful for that experience with him.” If Tavares gets a chance to send a text of encouragement to Cowan, it sounded like he would know what he would say to the 19-year-old about the opportunity to play in Canada in the world junior. “Enjoy each and every second of it,” Tavares said. “It’s a great tradition we have in Canada and how much we love the tournament, the way people take to it. “I can only imagine — well, I know what it’s like — and I’m excited for those guys just because it’s a really special event and to do it on home soil is even better.” tkoshan@postmedia.com X: @koshtorontosunSeven-day national mourning in respect of Dr. Manmohan Singh
First Quarter FIU_Joseph 1 run (Czeremcha kick), 9:48. FIU_Lyons 21 run (Czeremcha kick), 2:02. Second Quarter MTU_Willis 56 pass from Vattiato (Rankin kick), 10:40. FIU_D.Patterson 19 pass from K.Jenkins (Czeremcha kick), 8:04. FIU_D.Patterson 38 pass from K.Jenkins (Czeremcha kick), 6:14. MTU_Willis 37 pass from Vattiato (Rankin kick), 3:34. MTU_FG Rankin 35, :26. Fourth Quarter FIU_Rivers 50 pass from K.Jenkins (Czeremcha kick), 11:01. MTU_Middlebrook 1 run (Rankin kick), 7:23. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_Middle Tennessee, Middlebrook 10-41, Credle 10-36, Vattiato 7-28, Wilkins 1-8, Gardner 1-8. FIU, Lyons 15-101, Joseph 11-20, K.Jenkins 5-10, D.Patterson 1-6, Owens 2-6, Jones 2-4, Jnopierre 1-(minus 1), (Team) 2-(minus 2). PASSING_Middle Tennessee, Vattiato 21-33-1-256, (Team) 0-1-0-0. FIU, K.Jenkins 19-27-0-319. RECEIVING_Middle Tennessee, Willis 6-123, Middlebrook 4-32, M.Butler 3-36, Sutton 3-20, Credle 3-7, Sherman 2-38. FIU, Rivers 7-117, D.Patterson 4-97, Fournet 4-64, Joseph 1-19, Jnopierre 1-16, Lyons 1-5, Ferguson 1-1. MISSED FIELD GOALS_Middle Tennessee, Rankin 36.TORONTO - Canada’s premiers are calling on the federal government to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns through to the end of February. Ontario Premier Doug Ford made the request in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, sent in his capacity as chair of the Council of the Federation. Ford says the premiers are echoing calls from charities to help account for a decline in mail-in donations due to the Canada Post strike, which brought letter mail to a standstill for a month starting in mid-November. The premiers are requesting that the federal government extend the deadline from the end of the year to the end of February 2025, which would allow donors to send their cheques later than usual but still get credited for the 2024 tax year. The Salvation Army reported over the weekend that holiday donations had fallen by 50 per cent this year, which it attributes to the strike. Trudeau’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024.French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced a new government—his administration’s fourth attempt this year—to avoid yet another vote of no confidence. Bayrou’s centrist approach, initially promised as a “national interest government,” has leaned towards the conservative right, sparking criticism and political tension. François Bayrou’s new cabinet: A blend of experience and fresh appointments Bayrou’s new cabinet includes a blend of familiar names and fresh appointments, aiming to stabilise France’s bitterly divided political landscape. Key appointments include: Most Read on Euro Weekly News Miss France 2025: Angélique Angarni-Filopon makes history as the oldest winner at 34 France to be linked to Scotland by new ferry route France to introduce new proof of address requirement for public transport passengers in 2025 Gérald Darmanin as Justice Minister (previously Interior Minister) Élisabeth Borne , former PM, now Education Secretary Manuel Valls , another former PM, as Overseas Minister Bruno Retailleau , reappointed as Interior Minister Éric Lombard , a former banker, leading the Economy Ministry Sébastien Lecornu retaining Defence, and Rachida Dati as Culture Minister Foreign Secretary Jean-Noël Barrot also stays on, reflecting Bayrou’s attempt to balance continuity with change. However, these appointments have drawn criticism, particularly from the Socialist Party (PS). Olivier Faure, PS Secretary-General, dismissed the cabinet as being ‘maintained for and by the far right,’ calling Bayrou’s leadership uninspiring. Bayrou’s Government faces parliamentary deadlock Bayrou faces a deeply fractured Assemblée Nationale, with no party holding a majority following Emmanuel Macron’s failed snap election in June. Parliament is divided into three near-equal blocs—left, centre, and right—leaving Bayrou’s government vulnerable to collapse. The hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) has already vowed to lodge a motion of no confidence, while other opposition parties, including the PS, are hinting at similar moves. Key challenges ahead include: Budget planning : France’s budget deficit is expected to hit 6% of GDP, double the EU’s target of 3%. Bayrou has pledged to avoid new taxes but may need spending cuts to rein in public finances. Parliamentary recess : With the first council of ministers set for 3 January, Bayrou will announce his government’s programme on 14 January, leaving little time to secure political consensus. Bayrou’s predecessor, Michel Barnier, lasted just 90 days before his administration fell to a no-confidence vote after invoking Article 49.3, a controversial constitutional tool, to bypass parliament. Bayrou has promised to use 49.3 sparingly, only if “completely blocked.” Macron ’s influence and the political fallout President Macron, who appointed Bayrou 10 days ago, has kept a low profile during this political reshuffle. He spent the past week visiting Mayotte, Djibouti, and Ethiopia following Cyclone Chido, which devastated Mayotte, leaving 35 dead and thousands injured. Macron declared a national day of mourning on Monday and held a minute’s silence at the Élysée. Meanwhile, Bayrou’s struggle to form a government highlights growing criticism of Macron’s leadership, with some accusing him of empowering the far-right. Prominent conservative Xavier Bertrand turned down a ministerial position, citing interference by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). In a defiant statement, Bertrand said: “Accepting under these conditions would have been a denial of my values... Dealing with extremism is a mistake.” Find more news about France
2024 Black Friday online shopping sets massive record
CMA plans to allow former expatriates in Saudi and other Gulf states to invest in TASIMumbai: Cyber Police Freeze ₹4.65 Crore In Record Time Amid ₹7.50 Crore SIM Swap Fraud Case
WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Bryson Daily tied the American Athletic Conference record for single-season touchdowns and threw for a season-high 190 yards and a score to lift No. 25 Army to a 29-24 win over UTSA on Saturday. Army (10-1) finished the regular season 8-0 in the AAC and earned the right to host the championship game on Friday. Daily rushed for 147 yards, his academy-record ninth straight 100-yard game, and two touchdowns. Casey Larkin sealed Army’s 10th victory of the season, picking off Owen McCown at the Black Knights’ 10 with 1:14 left. “It was a great team win,” Daily said. “It was great to see the defense plays their hearts out like they’ve done all season. We knew a close game (at home) was coming at some point this season. That was today. I’m just proud of the fight that our guys showed.” Army won its 10th game for the fourth time in program history and third time in Jeff Monken’s 11 years. The Black Knights had outscored their opponents 188-62 in their first five home wins. “To be playing in the conference championship game in the first year is a little improbable,” Monken said. “It’s not something you anticipate. “I’m glad we joined the conference. It’s awesome to be in this position and have a chance to play for the conference championship. That’s not something you take for granted." Army’s defense rose to the challenges all afternoon. Kalib Fortner and Chance Keith combined to stop Brandon High short on 4th-and-1 from UTSA’s 16 on the first play of the fourth quarter. Five plays later, Bryson Daily scored his 24th touchdown of the season from one yard out to give Army a 22-17 lead. Collin Matteson picked off McCown for his first career interception with 11:17 left in the game. Daily scored his conference-tying 25th rushing touchdown, a 42-yard run on the second play following Matteson’s pick with 10:26 remaining in the game UTSA (6-6) fell to 0-6 away from the Alamodome. The Roadrunners opened the second half with McCown’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Devin McCuin on fourth down to take 17-13 lead with10:13left in the third quarter. Army senior kicker Trey Gronotte made a career-high three field goals. Gronotte’s 35-yard kick tied the game at 10-10 as time expired in the first half. Daily capped a 13-play, 75-yard drive with a 41-yard touchdown pass to running back Tyrell Robinson on the game’s opening drive with 7:30remaining in the first quarter. Robinson, a fifth-year senior, scored his first touchdown of the season and 14th in his career. UTSA answered with a touchdown on its first possession, a 10-yard run by Brandon High. High added a 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Army converted on all three fourth downs on its opening touchdown drive. Noah Short caught a 6-yard pass and ran for four yards to move the chains. UTSA leading rusher Robert Henry missed the game with an undisclosed injury. Henry had a team-best 706 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. UTSA: Awaits a bowl invitation. Army: Plays Tulane in the American Athletic Conference championship game. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballA proposal to end an “invaluable” timber machining apprenticeship programme in Rotorua has left its tutor of 17 years worried for his students. The proposal at the Bay of Plenty tertiary institution Toi Ohomai – if confirmed – would have up to 20 jobs lost and the end of “highly valued courses”, its union said. A Te Hautū Kahurangi Tertiary Education Union statement on November 13 said courses at risk were across campuses in Taupō , Tokoroa , Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatāne . They included forestry, timber machining, hairdressing, makeup and skincare, and social work. The union slammed the proposed cuts and said it might result in the closure of the Waipā campus in Rotorua – a dedicated training facility that operates a working wood manufacturing plant. Toi Ohomai said institutes of technology and polytechnics needed to become “financially viable” as the Government worked towards disestablishing Te Pūkenga and forming a new vocational education structure.
