CTV National News: Overcoming obstacles within the world of competitive pinball
Adam Sawatsky has the story of a B.C. family learning lessons in overcoming obstacles supporting their autistic son in the world of competitive pinball.
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Canada's Owen Caissie makes big-league debut for Cubs against Blue Jays
Article content After a frenzied travel day, Canadian outfielder Owen Caissie made his big-league debut for the Chicago Cubs on Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre. Article content Caissie caught a morning flight from Des Moines, Iowa, and arrived at the downtown stadium shortly before the start of the mid-afternoon interleague series finale. Article content Article content The 23-year-old Caissie, from nearby Burlington, Ont., was batted fifth as the designated hitter. Article content 'I think offence is his calling card and he hits the ball extremely hard,' Cubs manager Craig Counsell said before the game. 'I think he's going to hit a lot of home runs someday. He's not a home run hitter right now. Article content 'I think he's just a good hitter, a good all-around hitter, good plate discipline, hits the ball hard.' Article content Reports circulated late Wednesday that the Cubs' top prospect would be called up for the series finale. The team confirmed shortly before the game that he'd been recalled from Triple-A, with catcher Miguel Amaya placed on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain. Article content Caissie hit .289 this season with 22 homers and 52 RBIs for the Iowa Cubs. He's the 45th-ranked prospect in the sport by MLB Pipeline. Article content Caissie was drafted with the 45th overall pick of the 2020 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres. He was traded to Chicago in the Yu Darvish deal in December 2020. Article content A No. 19 nameplate was installed at Caissie's locker Thursday in the visitors' dressing room. A couple of 'Coffee Crisp' chocolate bars — a popular treat north of the border — were also at his stall. Article content Caissie had an RBI double and two walks at the MLB All-Star Futures Game last month. He has been particularly good at the Triple-A level in August, hitting .393 (11 for 28) with two homers and five RBIs. Article content 'I don't know that this is going to be a big role for Owen,' Counsell said. 'But I think we're kind of just looking at where we're going in this schedule, and just being a little more flexible in terms of whether we need to get guys some rest, get the guys to get the innings off.' Article content
National Post
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Kaion Julien-Grant, Edmonton Elks seek consistency in showdown with Argonauts
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CTV News
an hour ago
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World's best curlers set to sweep into London for historic Grand Slam debut
Some of the world's top curling teams are getting ready to sweep into London, quite literally. The Grand Slam of Curling is making its debut in the Forest City this fall, bringing with it Olympic hopefuls, international talent, and a special hometown connection. From Sept. 23 – 28, the 2025 WFG Masters will take over the Western Fair Sports Centre, launching the 25th season of the Grand Slam series and welcoming 64 of the world's best curling teams. Representing 13 countries, the Masters is the season's first major showdown on the road to the 2026 Winter Olympics. And for Ontario's own Team Homan, there's no better place to kick things off than London. 'I'm just so excited to have it here and to have that kind of sense of home and have family here and be able to share, like where I live with everyone,' said Sarah Wilkes, Team Homan lead and proud Londoner. Team Homan enters the competition as the top-ranked women's team, already boasting a record 17 Grand Slam titles, including four previous wins at the Masters. This year's event also introduces a Tier 2 division, giving emerging teams the opportunity to earn points and compete alongside the world's best. And for the first time ever, the Grand Slam of Curling will host a Wheelchair Curling Invitational, showcasing four elite teams and aiming to grow participation in the sport. 'Our national program calls London home, we were really, really excited to help with the prospects of integrating a wheelchair component into the event,' said Mick Lizmore, head coach of Canada's national wheelchair curling program. 'If our participation in the Slam can get, you know, one or two new wheelchair users up and playing the sport, then you know that that's great for everyone involved,' added Paralympic gold medalist Mark Ideson. Though London has a long curling tradition, this marks the first time the Grand Slam series has come to the city. 'We can normally not get world-class curlers because the World Championships happen when the London Knights are in the playoffs,' said Peter Inch, a long-time curling organizer and the Grand Slam host committee chair. 'So this is the only time we can bring those athletes to London and show them what a great job we can do.' City officials are also celebrating the opportunity to host the Grand Slam and expect a major financial boost from the event. 'It's a huge benefit for tourism, our city ... and it's a huge chance to just show people what London's all about,' said Mayor Josh Morgan. Tickets are on sale now, with early-bird pricing available online until Monday. Whether you're a lifelong curling fan or new to the sport, organizers say the 2025 Masters is shaping up to be a must-see event and a proud moment for the city of London.
