TORONTO – It was all going so well for the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter of their key divisional matchup against the Boston Celtics.

Ja’Kobe Walter hit four three-pointers in the opening frame as the Raptors totalled 10 three-pointers, tying a franchise record, to jump out to an early and unexpected lead against the Celtics. But the offence sputtered on Wednesday as Toronto eventually fell to Boston 98-93 on Wednesday.

“I thought that first quarter was better than the rest of the three quarters,” said head coach Darko Rajakovic. “We made 10 threes in the first quarter. We were getting great looks, open looks, and I think the film is going to really show us that that’s the standard of play that we’re going to play too, right?

“That it doesn’t matter, make or miss, we’ve got to trust the pass. We’ve got to trust the teammate.”

It was apparent that Toronto’s plan was to come out gunning, at least to start the game.

The Raptors were 10 for 18 from three-point range in the first, 2 for 8 in the second, 3 for 9 in the third and just 1 for 8 in the final quarter.  That’s a total of 16 for 43 (37 per cent) from beyond the arc.

“We’ve got to trust open shots,” said Rajakovic. “We took 43 threes. That’s a good number there. I still think there were a couple more situations that we could make better decisions to kick out in five open shots.”

It was a case of turning Boston’s only playstyle against it.

The Celtics entered Wednesday taking 42.2 three-pointers per game, fifth most in the NBA, and making 38.4 per cent of those. Toronto’s 35.2 three-point attempts per game was 24th most in the league with its 31.8 per cent three-point shooting percentage was fourth worst in the league.

Boston went 14 for 40 (35 per cent) on Wednesday.

“I think first quarter we were definitely getting the ball moving more,” said Walter, who finished with a team-best 17 points, including going 5 for 10 on threes. “On transition we were getting stops and getting out, and I think we came out second half we just didn’t start at that same note.

“I think we definitely just did a better job of getting the ball around, continuing to play hard, started on defence for us too.”

Rookie Allen Graves came off the bench for 13 points, second most on the Raptors (5-6), including 3 for 4 shooting on threes.

“Coming into this game, I wasn’t shooting the best percentage as far as on the three-point line, and that’s what I credit the Raptors too,” said Graves, who had a 22.2 per cent three-point percentage before Wednesday. “I mean, this whole organization, my confidence game by game, and just continuing to trust in me.

“I feel like that belief is what fuels me day in and day out. Their belief in me, just knowing that I want to go out there and play as hard as I can.”

Toronto visits the Philadelphia 76ers (9-3) on Thursday. Walter said he appreciated the short turn around because it helped him flush the disappointing loss to Boston.

“The blessing about the NBA is you’ve always got another game because like today, the next day or the day after that,” said Walter. “You can’t really dwell on in the game.

“You just watch the film quickly, but do that and move on. We know we’ve got a tough task ahead of us. We’re just trying to focus on (the Sixers), lock in on the scout, lock in on the film.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Like the Carpenters song promised, “it’s yesterday once more.” Nostalgia is driving a holiday shopping spree for many, with younger Canadians looking for retro tech as presents.

In the age of endless online streaming, Canadians want to return to physical media and tech, a new survey from Best Buy Canada shows.

Four in 10 (40 per cent) Canadians said they are likely to buy a holiday gift out of nostalgia, with the number jumping to around half for both millennial (53 per cent) and Gen Z (49 per cent) Canadians.

“We’re seeing younger Canadians rediscover technology many of us grew up with, but this isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake,” says Kushal Samy, director of brand marketing at Best Buy Canada.

One-third (33 per cent) of respondents to the survey conducted by Angus Reid said they’re drawn to old tech because they value owning physical media, like vinyl records and video game cartridges.

“People want technology that feels personal and unlocks possibilities. Sometimes that means the newest device, and sometimes it means rediscovering a format or product they love,” Samy said.

This comes as Canadians are increasingly souring on streaming services, according to another Angus Reid survey. Nearly two-in-five Canadians (37 per cent) say they’ve cancelled at least one streaming service in the past six months, up from 32 per cent four years ago, a survey released last month found.

The return to physical media is being led by younger Canadians, according to the Best Buy survey.

Nearly one in four (23 per cent) Canadians said they bought music, movies or games in a physical format in the last year, rising to 32 per cent for millennials and 30 per cent for Gen Z, the survey showed.

At 12 per cent, Boomers still lagged their younger counterparts.

The most popular retro product making a comeback is the Apple iPod, with Gen Z most interested in it. This is followed by the Blackberry phone, with its physical keyboard.

Millennials, though, favour old gaming consoles like the Nintendo 64 or Super Nintendo, while Boomers were most nostalgic for VCRs and VHS tapes.

Headphones, earbuds, video game consoles and turntables or vinyl records are all popular categories this year, Best Buy said.

Are you a retail owner seeing a surge in requests for analog or physical media right now? Are you a consumer ditching streaming for DVDs, CDs, Game Boys or iPods — or whose kids are on the hunt for these types of retro tech? We want to hear from you: use the contact form below and we may share your voice in an upcoming story or reach out to you for an interview.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

EDMONTON – Evan Bouchard scored the game-winning goal 47 seconds into overtime as the Edmonton Oilers won their third game in a row, getting past the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Wednesday.

Zach Hyman scored a pair of goals for Edmonton (14-3-3), which matched its second-best start in franchise history through 20 games.

The Oilers are now 12-0-2 when they score first this season.

Tristan Jarry was stellar in net with 30 saves to improve to 5-1-3.

Tyson Foerster and Travis Sanheim replied for Philadelphia (5-10-6), which has lost four of its last five.

Dan Vladar made 21 stops in goal for the Flyers.

Takeaways

Flyers: Philadelphia got a key player back as veteran defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen returned to the lineup after missing the last seven games after aggravating an upper-body injury he suffered against Anaheim on Oct. 24.

Oilers: Connor McDavid picked up an assist in the second period to extend his season-starting points streak to 20 games, tying his career high and becoming the eighth player in NHL history to post multiple 20-game streaks. The Oilers captain, who leads the league with 49 points, became just the fourth player in league annals to post a season-opening 20-game point streak.

Key moment

Draisaitl sent a backhand pass across to Bouchard who blasted in a one-timer for his 11th of the season, which is tops amongst defencemen.

Key stat

Entering the game, McDavid had more points (48) than the Flyers had total goals (45) this season. Only one player for Philadelphia had recorded more than four goals, Matvei Michkov with 10. The Flyers had 19 goals in 10 road games and only scored more than three goals in a contest twice.

Up next

Flyers: Conclude a five-game trip in Columbus on Saturday.

Oilers: Launch a six-game road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

CALGARY – Mika Zibanejad scored twice in the second period on Wednesday to lead the New York Rangers to a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Tye Kartye, into an empty net, also scored for New York (11-8-1). The Rangers have won four of their last five.

Adam Klapka had the lone goal for Calgary (8-10-1), which finished 1-2-0 on its three-game homestand.

Getting the start for New York, Joonas Korpisalo had 30 stops to improve to 2-0-0.

The 32-year-old was activated from injured reserve on Friday after missing the first six weeks of the season with a lower-body injury.

Saddled with the loss was Devin Cooley, who had 21 saves. He fell to 5-4-0 while his five-game home winning streak was halted.

The first period was scoreless although Calgary defenceman Zayne Parekh nearly scored one of the goals of the year. Instead, Korpisalo’s desperation stop will go down as one of the saves of the year.

Carrying the puck in the Rangers zone, Parekh stepped around Eeli Tolvanen then dipsy doodled through Glenn Gawdin. As he darted toward the Rangers net, Parekh instead cut right and darted behind the net but his wraparound attempt was denied when Korpisalo, abandoning his goal stick, dove across the crease and stopped the puck on the line with the open hand of his blocker.

Zibanejad gave the Rangers the lead for good, scoring the first goal of the game 59 seconds into the second period.

Takeaways

Rangers: Gawdin, 29, who broke into the NHL with the Flames, made his New Yotk debut at fourth-line centre. It was his 14th NHL game and first since March 6, 2024.

Flames: Former Ranger and 2021 first-rounder Brennan Othmann (upper body) returned to the lineup after missing six games. Defenceman Jake Middleton played his 400th NHL game.

Key Moment

Halfway through the second period, the Rangers needed just 13 seconds on the power-play to increase their lead to 2-0. Zibanejad sizzled a one-timer past Cooley after being setup on a cross-ice pass from Pavel Dorofeyev. It would be the eventual game-winner.

Key Stat

The Rangers moved into a tie for first in the NHL with 11 wins when scoring the first goal of the game. Tied with New York (11-1-0) are Carolina (11-1-0), Edmonton (11-0-2) and Minnesota (11-0-4).

Up Next

Rangers: Visit the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.

Flames: Open a three-game road trip on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

About a hundred people gathered under sunny skies in downtown Montreal on Wednesday for a Remembrance Day ceremony honouring Canada’s war veterans and those who died serving their country.

Retired lieutenant-colonel Colin Robinson, who attended the ceremony at Place du Canada, said Remembrance Day is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the dangers of war, particularly amid current global tensions.

“These things can spiral out of control relatively quickly,” he said, drawing parallels between the events leading up to the two world wars and the state of the world today.

“I think that sense of awareness will probably lead to us having less conflict and less war.”

A military parade was followed by the national anthem shortly before 11 a.m., with some in the crowd singing along as bells rang from nearby St. George’s Anglican Church.

A 21-gun salute echoed through the area, sending flocks of birds into the sky, as bagpipes played near the war memorial.

Organizers had warned that the blank rounds used during the salute could cause temporary hearing discomfort but posed no danger.

Dignitaries and military representatives took turns laying wreaths at the foot of the monument, including Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who laid one on behalf of the city. Some offered military salutes while others bowed their heads.

One wreath honoured the four soldiers killed in a training accident at CFB Wainwright, Alta., last month, when a grass fire swept through a training area, injuring 39 others.

“Serving in the military is inherently risky. What happened in Wainwright last month is another reminder,” said retired lieutenant-colonel Colin Robinson.

Decorated with red poppies, a purple ribbon and autumn leaves, the wreaths gradually lined the base of the memorial.

During the ceremony, Col. Lisa Pacarynuk, chaplain general of the Canadian Armed Forces, spoke of lives cut short, families separated and the lasting physical and emotional wounds of war.

“Their experiences remind us that peace is precious, that freedom must never be taken for granted and that the consequences of conflict extend far beyond the battlefield,” she said.

Those attending were also asked to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., marking the moment fighting ended in the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918.

Robinson reflected on the passing of generations of veterans. When he joined his regiment in 1989, he recalled regularly meeting Second World War veterans.

“I think we kind of took it for granted,” he said. “You don’t realize that it’s going to go away.”

Also attending the ceremony, Pierre Saint-Louis, who served in the Canadian Navy and infantry before becoming a lawyer, had tears in his eyes as he explained what attending the Remembrance Day ceremony meant to him.

“It’s hard to explain; you just feel it, there are things you believe in,” he said.

He said remembrance should also mean supporting veterans who are still alive and the families of military personnel serving overseas.

A member of the Royal Canadian Legion, an organization that supports veterans and their families, Saint-Louis said he wants it to do more to help military families, particularly those whose loved ones are deployed overseas.

As the ceremony came to an end shortly before noon, some attendees removed the red poppies from their coats and left them at the foot of the monument.

Remembrance Day ceremonies took place across the country Wednesday to honour the men and women who served or died in uniform.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

When Anne-Marie Poirier speaks at family gatherings, her nieces and nephews hear a familiar voice — one they thought they might never hear again.

Poirier has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a progressive neurological disease that has robbed her of her ability to speak and affected her ability to swallow.

But a new artificial intelligence tool has brought a simulated version of her voice back into the lives of her loved ones, reinvigorating her family conversations and interactions.

“They are so happy. It’s as though they forget that my life is slowly coming to an end,” she said, using the AI tool during an interview with The Canadian Press.

Poirier first experienced symptoms in August 2024 and was diagnosed with ALS a year later. She began losing her voice in October 2025 and has relied on communication applications since January.

In May, she started using Vocality, an application developed by two young Montreal entrepreneurs that allows her to turn a few keywords into complete sentences, spoken aloud in a voice resembling her own.

Users can download the tool and use it after getting a paid subscription.

Eligible users may also qualify for financial assistance through ALS Québec, a non-profit organization that supports people living with the disease and their families.

“It gives me energy, a feeling of being alive,” she said.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an incurable neurological disease that progressively destroys nerve cells controlling voluntary movement.

As it advances, patients can lose their ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually breathe, even as their ability to think and understand others often remains intact.

Nearly 4,000 Canadians live with ALS, and about 1,000 are diagnosed each year, according to the ALS Society of Canada.

For those who lose their ability to speak, even a simple exchange can become a painstaking process, with conversations moving faster than they can write or type.

Thomas Houlachi saw that frustration firsthand. In 2021, two members of his family were diagnosed with ALS. By 2023, both had lost their ability to speak.

They tried using communication applications on an iPad, but typing messages letter by letter was slow and increasingly difficult as their motor skills deteriorated. At times, they found it easier to write on paper.

“Speech is something so fundamental to the human experience. If you lose it, you lose half of that experience,” Houlachi said.

Houlachi, then beginning his biomedical engineering studies at Polytechnique Montréal, wondered whether he could make communicating less of a struggle.

He teamed up with David Ruiz, who studied software engineering at Concordia University, and the two founded Vocality in 2023.

Houlachi’s relatives died before the pair finalized the application, so they never got to use the finished product.

After more than two years of development and testing with people living with ALS, Vocality launched on iPhones and iPads in June, with an Android version expected next week, according to Houlachi.

Instead of typing out entire sentences, users can enter a few keywords and have the application fill in the rest. It can also listen to conversations and suggest responses based on what others are saying.

Houlachi said Vocality uses AI technology designed specifically for people with speech impairments, allowing the application to learn their vocabulary and expressions over time.

Houlachi acknowledged the tool is being introduced at a time of growing public concerns about artificial intelligence and its use in health care. But he said his firm was working with leading experts to ensure the AI was being introduced in a safe and ethical way.

“We often talk about AI replacing what humans do, but Vocality is the exact opposite,” he said. “It’s a tool that gives people control, allowing them to continue expressing themselves authentically, while helping them communicate faster and more smoothly.”

Some of the AI processing takes place directly on users’ devices, reducing the need to send personal information to external servers.

More than 100 people across North America now use the application daily, according to Houlachi.

Vocality is also compatible with eye-tracking equipment, allowing people with limited mobility to select words and phrases using their eyes rather than their fingers.

The application also allows users to communicate in a digital recreation of their own voice. Using recordings of their speech, technology developed by AI company ElevenLabs can create a synthetic voice that Vocality uses to read messages aloud.

For Poirier, the voice combines recordings of her actual speech with digitally generated words.

Poirier, who had previously used other communication applications, said Vocality is easier to use.

“It’s so much simpler, more intuitive,” she said. “The application allows you to correct mistakes, and with just a few words, it generates sentences.”

Poirier learned about the project through ALS Québec, which helped recruit users to test the application.

She has since regularly shared feedback with Houlachi. For example, when someone asked her to repeat a sentence, she sometimes had to type it again because the application had erased it after reading it aloud.

The current version of Vocality allows users to save frequently used phrases in their library. It also has a feature that allows users to repeat sentences when needed.

That close relationship with users is part of what makes Vocality stand out, according to Paul Shenouda, a partnerships manager at Propolys, Polytechnique Montréal’s technology incubator.

Vocality has received business training, coaching, and $16,000 in financial support from Propolys, Polytechnique Montréal’s technology incubator. Houlachi said the firm also earned an additional $150,000 through fundraising and prize money from two contests.

Shenouda said the founders’ willingness to involve patients early in the development process caught his attention.

He said entrepreneurs sometimes become so focused on developing their technology that they lose sight of the people who will eventually use it.

“It’s rather rare to have a story that’s so sincere,” Shenouda said.

Vocality is now available in six languages and is being used by people with other conditions affecting speech, including cerebral palsy and some forms of aphasia.

For Poirier, the technology has opened up another unexpected possibility: communicating with her partner in Italian.

Although she understands the language, she doesn’t normally speak it. Vocality allows her to generate sentences in Italian and have them read aloud to her partner, who speaks the language fluently.

Despite the progression of her disease, Poirier says she wants to make the most of the time she has.

“No one can guarantee they will live a long time,” she said. “You have to enjoy every moment of life and be as happy as possible.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Winter dressing is all about the little details, and the right accessories can make even the coldest days a bit more enjoyable. Think chunky scarves, fluffy earmuffs, soft knits and warm leather gloves that are as good-looking as they are practical. We’ve rounded up cold-weather finds from Aritzia, Quince and Uniqlo, plus a few other favourites to keep close when the temperature dips.

 

A good beanie is a winter wardrobe staple, and this wool-and-cashmere knit from Aritzia is one you’ll want to reach for on repeat when the temperature drops.[/product_listing]

 

These sleek lambskin leather gloves are lined with 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere to keep your hands warm, with touchscreen-friendly fingertips for using your phone on the go. [/product_listing]

 

These adorable fluffy earmuffs are just begging to be included in your cute ice-skating outfits. Practical and foldable so you can throw it into any purse for compact carrying.[/product_listing]

 

A plush shearling lining, memory foam cushioning and soft camel suede exterior make these scuff slippers a toasty gift for someone who deserves a little extra comfort.[/product_listing]

 

Thin enough to layer under boots but warm enough for chilly days, Uniqlo’s heattech socks use heat-retaining fabric and a roomy ankle for a comfortable fit.[/product_listing]

 

For those extra-cold days, this oversized scarf is big enough to bundle up in, with a soft cashmere-like feel and plenty of room to wrap around your neck.[/product_listing]

 

Leopard print is having a moment, and this plush faux-fur headband is a fun way to work the trend into your winter wardrobe while keeping your ears warm on chilly days.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Thermajohn Long Johns for Men – $25.99

Electric Heat Pad – $29.99

MuroMucci Heated Scarf – $39.99

Women’s Down Heated Jacket – $199.99

 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

There’s something about opening a little door every morning in December that makes the whole season feel slower and sweeter. This year’s advent calendars go well beyond chocolate: there’s skincare, bath treats, a novel you unseal one chapter at a time, and a stack of storybooks for the kids. I’ve also added a few viral gift sets that make easy stocking stuffers or gifts for hosts. Here are my picks for everyone on your list (and yes, a few for you) from brands like Lush, Laneige and more.

 

For the beauty lover

Twelve days of LANEIGE bestsellers in full and mini sizes, from the Water Bank Cream Moisturizer and Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask to the cult Lip Sleeping Mask in Sweet Candy. Lip lovers get extra treats too: two Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serums, a JuicePop lip tint and two Lip Glowy Balms. It’s made for all skin types, so it’s an easy gift for just about anyone. [/product_listing]

 

Five mini Lip Sleeping Masks in different flavours, ready to tuck into stockings. I go through this lip mask at an alarming speed, and it’s been a ride-or-die for me for years. Minis mean you can keep one in your purse, your nightstand and your desk. [/product_listing]

 

The iconic overnight lip mask in a cozy, limited-edition holiday flavour. Swipe it on before bed and wake up to soft, smooth lips, even in the driest Canadian winter.[/product_listing]

 

Twenty-five doors of bath, shower and body care, plus a few fragrance and home treats, including gift exclusives you can’t buy anywhere else. It’s a countdown that makes every December evening feel like a spa night. [/product_listing]

 

A dozen limited-edition holiday treats for the bath, shower and body, all tucked into a festive box you’ll want to keep. Open one a day in the lead-up to Christmas, or save them for the twelve days after. It’s a lovely gift for a host or a friend who deserves a slower holiday. [/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Spa Basket Advent Calendar – $52.99

Bibliophile Advent Calendar for Book Lovers – $53.76

Spice Advent Calendar – $79.95

 

Quirky & niche advent calendars

Open the cover and a pop-up stage appears, with Elton at a piano topped by a Christmas tree. Each day reveals a paper ornament inspired by his iconic songs, performances and outfits, and you use them to dress up the scene. It’s officially licensed, and it’s a showstopper on any mantel for the music lover in your life. [/product_listing]

 

A new fishing lure behind every door, with a tackle box to keep them all organized. It’s the advent calendar for the angler who has everything, and it’ll have them dreaming about spring on the water. [/product_listing]

 

For the book lover

A cozy holiday mystery with a dash of romance, told in 24 sealed chapters. You tear one open each day, so the clues unfold right along with the countdown. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a whodunit with their hot chocolate. [/product_listing]

 

This is a novel and an advent calendar in one. Each of the 24 chapters is sealed, so you tear one open every morning and follow the story right up to Christmas Eve. The hardest part is not peeking ahead. Pair it with a cozy blanket and your morning coffee, and you have the perfect December ritual. [/product_listing]

 

For the little book lover

Behind every window is a beautifully illustrated storybook, from The Nutcracker and Snow White to The Nativity. By Christmas Eve, your little one has a library of 24 books to read again and again. It’s for ages 3+, and it turns bedtime into a countdown. [/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Christmas Artificial Pine Branches – $21.99

Personalized Christmas Stocking – $12.99

eos Holiday Collection Candy Cane Swirl and Pink Champagne Super Balm – $13.66

 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A year after receiving some friendly advice from Cody Fajardo, Mark Kilam is preparing for his first Grey Cup as a CFL head coach.

The Edmonton Elks will chase its first CFL title since 2015 when it faces the Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium on Sunday. That comes after the Elks were fifth in the West Division last year with a 7-11 record.

The 2025 campaign was Kilam’s first as Edmonton’s head coach. During his exit interview with Fajardo, the veteran quarterback told Kilam he was too focused on the Elks’ special teams and needed to spend more time with the remainder of the team.

Kilam came by his special-teams concentration honestly.

Before becoming the Elks’ head coach, Kilam, an Edmonton native, spent 20 seasons as an assistant coach with the Calgary Stampeders, the bulk of which was spent coaching special teams.

“When you get feedback from your veteran players, you always take it to heart,” Kilam said Wednesday during the Grey Cup coaches news conference. “I was co-ordinating special teams last year … because I wanted to set the standard for that phase on a new team.

“Part of my growth as a second-year head coach is that when I gave those duties up, I was able to spend more time in other areas on the team and for me, personally, it was awesome just to be more involved in the other sides of the ball. One of the reasons it’s helped our team be stronger is we’ve been more streamlined in all three phases.”

A fact not lost upon Fajardo, who threw for a career-high 4,788 yards in helping Edmonton (13-5) finish atop the West and earn its first playoff berth since 2019.

“I just said, ‘The guys love you, they love hearing from you,” Fajardo said of his meeting last year with Kilam. “We just want you to be offensively, defensively, special teams, and not just solely focused on special teams.

“He has been a true head coach, a true leader of men. There’s no way we’re in this Grey Cup without Mark Kilam as our head coach.”

Edmonton finished last season by winning six of its final 11 games and hasn’t really looked back.

The Elks were 8-1 at Commonwealth Stadium and last weekend defeated the B.C. Lions 28-16 there in the West Division final before over 40,000 spectators.

Kilam admits to feeling somewhat sentimental to be making his first Grey Cup appearance as a head coach in a city he called home for 20 years.

But it pales in comparison to the pride he’s feeling with Edmonton’s resurgence.

“It means more that we brought back some pride in the Double E,” he said. “Going back a week and seeing 40,000 people screaming in that stadium and driving through the city seeing flags of the team and seeing people wearing the colours again.

“You walk into Safeway and get stopped 10 different times because people are so excited about the football team again.

“That’s what you take pride in, that’s what you draw the emotion from, that we’ve inspired belief in the football team again.”

Heady stuff considering Kilam was fired as Calgary’s assistant head coach/special-teams co-ordinator in October 2024 with defensive co-ordinator Brent Monson and defensive-line coach Juwan Simpson. It came after the Stampeders missed the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

“I was very, very fortunate to be in the same place for 20 years,” Kilam said. “I’d never gone through the coaching roulette and that kind of situation, so I felt all of the emotions, truthfully.

“But I wasn’t going to let it define me; I knew I was going to land on my feet and find my way through it. As it worked out, within five minutes of (Elks GM Ed Hervey), (Elks president Chris Morris) and I talking, I felt like we just aligned.

“I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Montreal head coach Jason Maas will make his third Grey Cup appearance as a CFL head coach Sunday, all coming with Montreal.

But Maas won two Grey Cups as a quarterback with Edmonton (2003, 2005) and later served as the Elks head coach (39-33 record from 2016-19).

Maas is happy to see the Elks relevant again in Edmonton.

“I think it’s amazing,” Maas said. “To see them being successful again and the pride come back to the city to support the Elks the way I see it, I think it’s tremendous.

“I think the league is stronger when all the teams are this way, and certainly when they’re supported that way by the community.”

Kilam, Maas and B.C.’s Buck Pierce are the finalists for the CFL’s 2026 coach of the year award.

Kilam was part of three Grey Cup-winning teams with the Stampeders. But he doesn’t believe earning his first as a head coach in Calgary would mean more to him.

“It’s the Grey Cup,” he said. “It’s the ultimate; it’s why we start competing, it’s why we sacrifice so much.

“We could play it anywhere. Obviously, being back here there’s some sentimentality to it, but I want to win for our guys, and I want to win for the city of Edmonton.”

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The federal government says Russian hockey players will not be permitted to compete at next month’s world juniors championship in Alberta, even if they already hold valid Canadian visas.

A statement provided Wednesday by Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden says Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will take measures to individually assess and prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada to compete.

There are Russians with valid visas playing in the Canadian Hockey League, the umbrella organization for the country’s three top major junior hockey leagues.

Russians and Belarusians were banned from the CHL’s import draft from 2022-24 before being allowed back in. According to the CHL, Russia led this year’s draft with 32 of the 114 players selected.

Wednesday’s statement appears to close the door on Russia’s return to the world juniors following last month’s Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must reinstate the country in international hockey.

Norway’s hockey federation said Sunday the IIHF had informed it that Russia would be added to the tournament at Norway’s expense.

Norway qualified for the tournament and has said it still hopes to compete.

The IIHF has not formally announced any changes to the tournament field. Its website continues to list Norway among the 10 participating teams.

Hockey federations from several nations, including Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Norway, have said their teams will refuse to compete against Russian players.

Russia and Belarus have been banned from international hockey competition since Russia invaded Ukraine with Belarusian assistance in 2022.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week that Russian and Belarusian athletes could not compete in Canada while representing their countries as long as the war continues.

The government’s earlier position allowed individual athletes to compete as neutrals, leaving open the question of whether a Russian team could participate under a neutral designation.

Van Koeverden clarified Monday that the neutral designation applied to individual athletes, not teams.

The government said its position would not change as long as Russia continues its war in Ukraine with Belarus’s complicity.

The world junior championship begins Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer.

© 2026 The Canadian Press