JOHN WAWROW

AP Sports Writer
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his goal with goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Toronto seeking to turn over a new Leaf under Berube after clinching 1st Atlantic Division title
The Toronto Maple Leafs believe they can put behind their past of early round playoff collapses with a new focus on playing responsible defense under first-year coach Craig Berube.
 
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) makes a pad save during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Stolarz stops 35 and Maple Leafs clinch Atlantic Division title with 4-0 win over Sabres
Anthony Stolarz stopped 35 shots for his third consecutive shut out in Buffalo, and the Toronto Maple Leafs clinched their first Atlantic Division title with a 4-0 win over the Sabres.
 
Wisconsin forward Casey O'Brien (26) passes the puck in the third period against St. Cloud State at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. (Samantha Madar/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File)
PWHL picks Ottawa to host 3rd draft in June, with Wisconsin’s Casey O’Brien among top prospects
The PWHL will hold its third annual entry draft in Ottawa on June 24, with University of Wisconsin’s Casey O’Brien anticipated to be one of the top selections following her MVP senior season.
 
Western Michigan's Owen Michaels (34) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the third period in the championship game of the NCAA Frozen Four men's college hockey tournament against the Boston University, Saturday, April 12, 2025, in St. Louis (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Western Michigan wins its 1st Frozen Four hockey title, beating Boston University 6-2
Owen Michaels scored two third-period goals to seal Western Michigan’s first Frozen Four championship in a 6-2 victory over Boston University on Saturday night.
 
Wisconsin forward Laila Edwards (10) celebrates after a goal against Minnesota in the semifinals of the Women’s Frozen Four NCAA college hockey tournament Friday, March 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
Wisconsin’s Laila Edwards is quickly establishing herself as future face of women’s hockey
At 21, Laila Edwards is quickly establishing her presence as the future face of not only U.S. women’s hockey, but the sport overall.
 
Boston University's Cole Eiserman (34) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the second period in a semifinal game in the NCAA Frozen Four men's college hockey tournament against Penn State, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in St. Louis (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Hockey East commissioner foresees NCAA colleges overtaking CHL as top producer of NHL talent
Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf tells The Associated Press he foresees a future involving the NCAA becoming North America’s top producer of NHL draft-ready talent in a rapidly changing and evolving U.S. college athletic landscape.
 
Boston University's Cole Eiserman (34) celebrates after scoring during the second period in a semifinal game in the NCAA Frozen Four men's college hockey tournament against Penn State, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in St. Louis (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Hughes, Eiserman score 2nd-period goals in Boston U’s 3-1 Frozen 4 semifinal win over Penn State
Jack Hughes and Cole Eiserman scored second-period goals and Boston University beat Penn State 3-1 on Thursday night to advance to its first Frozen Four final in 10 years.
 
Western Michigan's Wyatt Schingoethe (18) and teammate Tristan Lemyre celebrate a double overtime victory over Denver in a semifinal game in the NCAA Frozen Four men's college hockey tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in St. Louis (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Michaels lifts Western Michigan to 3-2 2OT Frozen Four semifinal win over defending champion Denver
Owen Michaels scored his second goal 26 seconds into the second overtime and Western Michigan beat defending champion Denver 3-2 on Thursday night to advance to its first Frozen Four title game.
 
Denver NCAA college hockey head coach David Carle speaks to the media after landing at Denver International Airport, April 10, 2022, in Denver. (Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via AP, File)
Defending champ Denver tops Frozen 4 field followed by BU and newcomers Penn State, Western Michigan
Denver and Boston University bring the championship pedigree to the Frozen Four semifinals being played in St. Louis on Thursday. And the field is rounded out by two first-timers in Western Michigan and Penn State.
 
United States forward Hilary Knight, right, hugs Canada forward Marie-Philip Poulin after Canada won the final at the IIHF Women's World Hockey Championships in Utica, N.Y., Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
Fresh vs. familiar is the theme as U.S., Canada resume rivalry at women’s world hockey championships
The Americans are bringing youth and Canadians a veteran-laden team in preparing to renew their fierce cross-border rivalry at the 10-nation women’s world hockey championships opening in the Czech Republic on Wednesday.
 
Tampa Bay Lightning's Zemgus Girgensons (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Feb. 9, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
Lightning clinch playoff berth, giving Zemgus Girgensons an additional boost in Buffalo homecoming
On a night Zemgus Girgensons was reminded of his past in Buffalo, the Tampa Bay Lightning forward could look ahead at a brighter future: a chance to appear in his first career playoff game.
 
Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch celebrates after his goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Quinn, Tuch score shootout goals in Sabres 3-2 win over playoff-bound Lightning
Jack Quinn and Alex Tuch scored shootout goals, and the Buffalo Sabres rallied from two one-goal deficits in a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
 
Gavin McKenna of Canada celebrates his 4-6 empty net goal and hat trick during the 2024 IIHF ice hockey U18 world championships final match between the United States and Canada in Espoo, Finland, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva via AP, File)
Top 2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna enjoying a 45-game point streak with WHL Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna continued validating his projection as the 2026 NHL draft’s top prospect by extending his point streak to 45 games, matching the Canadian Hockey League’s second-longest run since 2000.
 
Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) reacts after defending a play against New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
Bills CB Benford draws on childhood memories to fulfill dreams of NFL career and as a budding author
Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford already has fulfilled one childhood dream by cementing his NFL career with a four-year, $69 million contract extension. And the 24-year-old Benford is on to his next objective of becoming an author.
 
Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky laughs as he wears his new Hockey Hall of Fame ring during his induction ceremony at the Hall in Toronto, Nov. 22, 1999. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn, File)
Trump tariffs and statehood comments about Canada stir loyalty debate about NHL great Wayne Gretzky
In Wayne Gretzky’s hometown of Brantford, Ontario, and across Canada, the Great One’s loyalty and legacy are being questioned at a time the nation’s independence is being threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.
 
Toronto Sceptres' Hannah Miller (34) watches the puck while defending against the Minnesota Frost during first-period PWHL hockey game action in Toronto, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP)
IIHF deems Miller ineligible to represent Canada at world championships due to recent stint in China
The International Ice Hockey Federation deemed forward Hannah Miller ineligible to represent Canada at the upcoming women’s world hockey championships because of her recent playing tenure in China.
 
Cincinnati Bengals punter Brad Robbins walks to an NFL football practice, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, file)
Bills fill open spot by agreeing to sign former Bengals punter Brad Robbins, AP source says
The Buffalo Bills filled their open spot at punter by agreeing to sign Brad Robbins, a person familiar with discussions confirmed to The Associated Press.
 
Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) reacts after defending a play against New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
Buffalo Bills agree to sign CB Christian Benford to 4-year, $76 million extension, AP source says
The Buffalo Bills reached an agreement to sign cornerback Christian Benford to a four-year, $76 million contract extension in their latest offseason move to secure a young core player to a long-term deal, a person familiar with discussions confirmed to The Associated Press.
 
Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Reimer (47) celebrates a victory with center Tage Thompson (72) and left wing Jason Zucker (17) after an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Kulich scores 2 in Sabres 7-3 win over Penguins. Crosby breaks Gretzky’s point-per-game seasons mark
Jiri Kulich scored twice as part of a five-goal second period, and the Buffalo Sabres routed Pittsburgh 7-3 in an outing Penguins captain Sidney Crosby broke an NHL record for point-per-game consistency he shared with Wayne Gretzky.
 
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby prepares to take a face-off during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils in Pittsburgh, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Sidney Crosby breaks Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record with his 20th season averaging a point per game
Sidney Crosby broke an NHL record he shared with Wayne Gretzky for point-per-game consistency. By scoring 8:49 into the first period against Buffalo, Crosby registered his 80th point to assure he’ll finish his 20th NHL season averaging at least a point per outing.
 
Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff celebrates a victory after an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Ruff focuses on finishing job to fix the Sabres next year after 600th win as Buffalo’s coach
Humbling as it is, Buffalo’s Lindy Ruff didn’t spend much time celebrating after becoming the NHL’s second coach to win 600 games with one franchise.
 
Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Reimer (47) makes a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Thompson scores go-ahead goal, Sabres coach Ruff reaches 600 career wins in 3-2 win over Senators
Tage Thompson scored the go-ahead goal 1:23 into the third period, and Lindy Ruff became the NHL’s second coach to win 600 games with one franchise in the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators.
 
PFILE - ittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) rushes during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko, File)
Bills have 2 free-agent additions facing 6-game NFL suspensions for PEDs, GM Beane reveals
The Buffalo Bills stand to open the season minus two new free-agent defensive line additions upon learning Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht both face six-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
 
Carolina Panthers cornerback Dane Jackson (23) follows the action during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File)
CB Dane Jackson rejoins Bills. Team also adds WR Laviska Shenault, offensive lineman Kendrick Green
Cornerback Dane Jackson is back in Buffalo, and the Bills also added positional depth at receiver by signing Laviska Shenault and interior offensive lineman Kendrick Green.
 
A Michigan hockey player skates during an NCAA college hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
Bid to launch women’s DI hockey at Michigan moving forward, regent Denise Ilitch tells the AP
University of Michigan regent Denise Ilitch tells The Associated Press she believes there’s enough support for the Big Ten school to launch a Division I women’s hockey program that it’s only a matter of when, not if, it will happen.
 
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) drinks water before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sept. 8, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
Joey Bosa joins Bills, seeking to reestablish himself as premier NFL pass rusher
Joey Bosa knows he’s not getting any younger. What he doesn’t consider himself is old news. That’s how Bosa put it during a news conference after signing his one-year $12.6 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.
 
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks to pass during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
With Allen’s personal and financial life set, Bills QB focuses on unfinished business — Super Bowl
With Josh Allen’s personal and financial life set, the NFL MVP is focusing his attention on unfinished business: leading the Buffalo Bills to a Super Bowl title.
 
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) is brought down by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes, file)
Bills to re-sign Hamlin. Buffalo also adds defensive tackle Ogunjobi to 1-year deal, AP source says
Safety Damar Hamlin is returning to Buffalo, and the Bills also continued restocking their their defensive front by agreeing to sign tackle Larry Ogunjobi. The Bills announced reaching an agreement to sign Hamlin to a one-year contract.
 
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) drinks water before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sept. 8, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
Bills agree to sign edge rusher Joey Bosa to 1-year, $12.6 million contract, AP source says
The Buffalo Bills have turned to Joey Bosa to fill their pass-rush needs. The team and Bosa agreed on a one-year, $12.6 million contract.
 
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson warms up before playing against the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus,File)
Buffalo Bills restock backfield depth by re-signing RB Ty Johnson and FB Reggie Gilliam
The Buffalo Bills restocked their offensive backfield depth by re-signing Ty Johnson and fullback Reggie Gilliam. Johnson is a fifth-year player who returns for a third season in Buffalo.
 
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