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TORONTO - Each year NHL arenas turn their rink-board advertisements lavender and messages run on television and on video screens promoting Hockey Fights Cancer, a campaign to raise awareness and donation money.Within the past month as the campaign has been going on, cancer has been front and centre all across the hockey world. Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Olli Maatta recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in his thyroid gland, Buffalo Sabres announcer Rick Jeanneret last week announced hes throat cancer-free and on Thursday night Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray revealed he has stage 4 colon cancer.During the Sabres Hockey Fights Cancer night Nov. 7, GM Tim Murray paid tribute to his uncle. In a taped video message, he said: Im Tim Murray, general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, and I fight for Bryan Murray.The hockey community has been pulling for Murray since this past summer when the Senators announced he had cancer and would be undergoing treatment immediately. In an interview on TSN with Michael Farber, Murray explained that there is no cure at this point for me and just hope chemotherapy gives him more time.Murray, 71, urged men to get colonoscopies, as having one could have detected his cancer earlier. Farber, himself a cancer survivor after beating it in 2011, said the response to the interview has been gratifying.The best message I received was from a guy who said, Yeah, I just called for my colonoscopy, Farber said. Another 51-year-old said, Yeah, Im arranging that this week. Maybe something really good comes out of it.Maattas tumour was discovered as part of a pre-season physical. He was able to continue playing until having surgery to remove it Nov. 4 and returned to practice with the Penguins on Thursday in Toronto.There was an 85 per cent chance the tumour was cancerous, and the 20-year-old said so matter-of-factly about finding that out: It was cancer. But you know what? That was expected. It doesnt change anything.Maattas poise throughout this process, including not being able to tell anyone about the tumour for some time, has come as no surprise to his teammates.Hes a strong guy mentally to go (through) what hes gone through and handle it the way he has, captain Sidney Crosby said. I think as a teammate youre always there to try to support him. But its nice to see when somebody handles it that way. Its incredible.Were there for him, but he seems to be doing a pretty good job of getting through a lot of different things and handling them well.After the operation, the Penguins said Maatta would return within four weeks. Coach Mike Johnston said Thursday the Finnish defenceman would be able to return within the next five or six days.Pittsburgh winger Pascal Dupuis said he couldnt imagine going through a similar situation when he was 20 years old.Hes a strong guy and definitely weve been trying to support him as a team, Dupuis said. Its more power to him. He handled that like a big man.Over the summer, Jeanneret was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to take a leave of absence from Sabres broadcasts. The 72-year-old St. Catharines, Ont., native has been doing Buffalo TV or radio since the franchises second season in 1971-72.Jeanneret performed a special ceremonial puck drop along with legendary Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, whos now cancer-free, last week at First Niagara Center when the Sabres hosted the Edmonton Oilers on Hockey Fights Cancer night. It was then that he said he was cancer-free, and on Friday the team said hed return to the airwaves Saturday to call the first period of the Toronto Maple Leafs game at the Sabres.The time seems right to slowly begin transitioning back to work, Jeanneret said in a statement. My doctors have told me Im cancer free and Im feeling well enough to get back in the booth, even if its only on a limited basis for the time being.Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds used Hockey Fights Cancer month to tell his story, how his nana died of breast cancer in 1995 and how it affected him. The Toronto native wrote a first-person essay for Sports Illustrateds website about how he always wears a Blue Jays hat because that was a bond with her.Simmonds wrote that Hockey Fights Cancer has come a long way in his seven seasons in the NHL.I remember everyone would wear lavender ties. Then we organized hospital visits, we hosted families at games, we used lavender stick tape. Every year there are more activities to get involved in, and more ways for us players to show our support and help increase awareness, he wrote for SI. We see all sorts of people fighting cancer, including young kids. It makes me take a step back and realize that win or lose, compared to what theyre going through, Im just playing hockey.Im lucky to get to do what I love every day. Its a lot easier to go into the corner and take a cross-check than it is to be in the hospital fighting for your life.---Follow @SWhyno on Twitter Mike Mussina Jersey . -- The NFL cancelled its Hall of Fame game between St. Derek Jeter Jersey . Orlandos Glen Davis tried to get in the way, only to be driven back into the padding under the basket as the Pelicans forward slammed home a windmill jam. http://www.customyankeesjersey.com/cust ... -174i.html. Five years ago, Nestor and Zimonjic beat the American twins to win the title. But the Bryans, the worlds top-ranked team, needed 74 minutes to earn the victory Saturday as both Nestor and Zimonjic lost serve in the second set. Phil Rizzuto Jersey . -- Isaiah Pead took a stutter step forward, then raced to the left sideline and travelled 60 yards up the field before finally getting tripped up by a leg tackle. Tommy Kahnle Jersey . Ellis had a season-high 37 points and two key assists late, Dirk Nowitzki led a fourth-quarter rally with 14 of his 35 points, and the Mavericks spoiled Howards best offensive night in Houston with a 123-120 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night. PRETORIA, South Africa -- A South African judge on Friday found Oscar Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and declared him not guilty of murder. Prosecutors said they were disappointed by the ruling but would decide on whether to appeal only after sentencing. Judge Thokozile Masipa said there was not enough evidence to support the contention that Pistorius knew Steenkamp was behind a locked toilet door in his home when he shot through the door in the predawn hours of Valentines Day last year. Masipa said prosecutors had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Pistorius intended to kill Steenkamp. "Its a big burden off us, off our shoulders," Pistorius uncle, Arnold Pistorius, said. "We always knew the facts of the matter and we never had any doubt in Oscars version of this tragic incident." Pistorius said he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her, while the prosecution said he killed her intentionally after an argument. The killing by a national sports hero stunned South Africans, and reactions on the verdict were mixed. "Well I think the verdict is shocking to say the least," said Leonard Gray in Port Elizabeth, Steenkamps home town. "I think there is clear evidence and indications that he committed murder in this case. ... I feel sorry for Reeva Steenkamps family because theyre not going to get any closure because this guy is basically getting away with murder in my opinion." However, Shrina Padayachy, also in Port Elizabeth, called the judges verdict "fair and just because its the prosecution that must prove beyond a reasonable doubt and from what I gather and seen they havent." Free again after the judge extended his bail, the double-amputee Olympian left the courtroom surrounded by police officers. Pistorius must return on Oct. 13 when his sentencing hearing will start, Judge Masipa said. Pistorius didnt comment. The red-robed judge earlier ordered Pistorius, 27, to stand before she delivered the formal verdicts on the multiple counts against him, and said they were unanimous verdicts, meaning she and her two legal assessors agreed on the findings. The conviction of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, can bring a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, although legal experts pointed to five years as a guideline. Some legal analysts said they understood why Pistorius was found not guilty of premeditated murder but were surprised that the runner was not convicted of murder. The prosecution also was troubled by the not guilty verdict for murder. "We believe there is sufficient and credible evidence to secure a conviction" on a murder charge, said Nathi Mncube, spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority. He said, however, that any decision to appeal the judges ruling would come after the case is "concluded" with senteencing.dddddddddddd Unlike many other times during the trial that began on Mar. 3, Pistorius showed no emotion as he stood in his dark suit with his hands crossed in front of him for the judgment. The athlete was hugged by relatives when the judge ordered a recess soon after announcing her verdicts. Arnold Pistorius, the uncle, said the family was "grateful" to Judge Masipa for acquitting Pistorius of murder. "A tragic event like this, theres no victors in this," Arnold Pistorius said in the courtroom, reading from a prepared statement. Judge Masipa said Pistorius sentencing hearing would begin on Oct. 13, when both sides will be able to call witnesses to argue ahead of the judges ruling on if, or for how long, Pistorius is sent to prison for negligently killing Steenkamp. The sentence for a culpable homicide conviction is at the judges discretion, and it can range from a suspended sentence and a fine to up to a maximum of 15 years in prison. After the verdict, Pistorius sat with his sister Aimee on the wooden bench where he has spent most of his six-month murder trial. She put an arm around his shoulders and spoke to him. For the first time in the trial, Pistorius had left the courtroom for an adjournment before his jail was extended by going down the stairs that led to the cells in the courthouse. Thats because Pistorius bail had expired after his conviction and the judge was considering whether to re-grant him bail. Defence lawyer Barry Roux told the judge that Pistorius should stay free on bail until sentencing because he had complied with bail conditions imposed on him after he killed Steenkamp. Chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel, however, said Pistorius now had more reason to flee because he had probably hoped for an acquittal during the trial. "Now he knows for a fact that, Ive been convicted of a serious offence and imprisonment is probable," Nel said. Masipa ruled that it was not in the interests of justice to deny Pistorius bail. Members of Steenkamps family, including her mother June and father Barry, were in court to hear the verdict in the 29-year-old models killing. A close friend of Steenkamps cried in court during the verdict. The judge also ruled that the athlete was guilty of unlawfully firing a gun in a public place when a friends pistol he was handling discharged under a table in a restaurant in Johannesburg in early 2013 -- weeks before Steenkamps killing. Pistorius was acquitted on two other weapons charges, including another count of firing a gun in public and a count of illegal possession of ammunition in the Pretoria home where he killed Steenkamp on Feb. 14, 2013. On Friday, armed security officers stood at each of the three entrances to the courtroom, while others stood near the judge as she explained her verdicts from her dais overlooking the court. There were also paramedics in the courtroom. ' ' 'ED SINCE OCT. 1, 2014: Feb. 15, 2015 Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: F Olli Jokinen, F Brendan Leipsic, 1st Round Pick (2015) Nashville Predators acquire: D Cody Franson, F Mike Santorelli Feb. https://www.cheapflames.com/. Kalish got his first hit since Sept. 11, 2012, when he rapped an RBI triple in the first inning Sunday in the Chicago Cubs 8-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Flames Jerseys China .com) - John Wall supplied 24 points and 11 assists in leading the Washington Wizards to a 102-91 win over the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. Cheap Flames Jerseys . After a first half in which he thought "the lid was on the basket," the Toronto Raptors coach watched his squad mount a second half surge to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 98-91.SURREY, B.C. - B.C. Lions club president Dennis Skulsky ensured a "guaranteed win" against the Roughriders, one of the best teams in the CFL. If the Lions (5-3) lose to the Riders (5-2), B.C. fans will get a free ticket to a future game. The gesture, the first in the Lions 61-year history, is a throwback to a time when team owners guaranteed wins to help boost crowds. In this case, a loss could be an expensive setback, because the Lions anticipate their largest crowd of the season as they open the upper deck at B.C. Place Stadium, due in large part to rabid Rider fans. You can watch live coverage on TSN and TSN GO tonight at 7pm et/4pm pt. Andrew Harris has a guarantee of his own on a team full of them. "I feel great, I feel great — thats a guarantee," said the B.C. running back, who will return from a one-game injury absence when the Lions host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday. But Harris, who sat out last weekends win in Toronto due to a sore ankle, his teammates and coaches welcomed Skulskys move as they held their last full practice Friday prior to Sundays contest — despite the added pressure that the guarantee might put on them. Regardless of whether Skulskys move was just a marketing ploy, Harris has gained added motivation from it. "For me, personally, I attack every week and I guarantee myself a win," said Harris, who leads the league in yards from scrimmage with 781. "Anything less than that is disappointing. So for the president to come out and say that, it definitely puts a little bit more fire into the blood — and (the Roughriders) are even more fired up as well." Harris also hopes Skulskys promise will lead to a better effort at home, where the usually dominant Lions are a modest 2-2. "For us, we havent been that great at home," said Harris. "We need to be better. So whatever kind of tactic it was on his part, its working, and were ready." Saskatchewan fans have also provided a guarantee of sorts by renting a billboard in a high-traffic area near B.C. Place that, bearing a female fan and Roughriders logo, claims "Green is the new orange" in to the clubs respective colours. "Its just kind of disrespectful," said Harris. "I didnt see the billboard personally, but I think having a B.C. Lion billboard in Riderville would be upsetting to them, too." Either way, he added, the billboard, along with Skulskkys guarantee, shows the importance that both teams and their fans are placing in the game.dddddddddddd With a win, both the Lions and the Riders, who had a bye last weekend, have a chance to gain a share of first place in the West Division. So was Skulskys ploy really necessary to help the Lions cause? Does it have the chance to harm more than help a Lions team who are looking to extend their win streak to four games? Coach Mike Benevides said he and general manager Wally Buono discussed the guarantee with Skulsky beforehand. But Benevides, who was impressed with Skulskys passion as he issued the guarantee during a radio interview, dismissed the idea that the club president has put more pressure on the coaches and players. "Pressure? When youre in pro sports, our job is to win the game," said Benevies. "So there is no extra pressure." Lions quarterback Kevin Glenn said Skulskys gesture was a sign of the confidence that he has in players. "The same way that Saskatchewan has confidence in their team and they posted their (billboard) in somebody elses town," said Glenn. "It goes both ways. Both teams have to come out. Saskatchewan is a very good team, and we know were in for a battle. I think both sides know its going to be a good game, and were going to make sure that its a good game." Glenn will attempt to live up to that promise as he starts amidst seemingly added pressure from the presence of Travis Lulay, who continues to progress from off-season shoulder surgery. Lulay, who will suit up for his third game of the season, is expected to slot in occasionally, as he did in Toronto, depending on how things go for Glenn as Benevides gradually increases the usual No. 1 quarterbacks playing time. Meanwhile, returner Tim Brown, chosen as the CFL special teams player of the week after racking up 249 return yards in Toronto, will draw back into the B.C. lineup after his status was uncertain earlier this week. "These (Roughriders) are a huge challenge on special teams," he said. "You have to have the best guys on the field, and (Brown) is gonna give us a chance (to win)." Benevides has juggled his roster after saying on Monday that Brown had only a "50-50" chance of playing because of the nuances of the leagues Canadian and import player ratio. The coach said that, contrary to his earlier comment, Browns place in the lineup is "100 per cent guaranteed." ' ' '