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Winnipeg Free Press
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘One good season and your life can change'
It was approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday when Mason Kraus, exhausted and bleary-eyed, touched down in Winnipeg after 28 hours of delay and layover-filled travel from Chile. The 23-year-old was happy to be home but didn't regret it for a second. 'It was not great, but I'd do it again,' Kraus said Wednesday. AXEL CHRISTIANSEN PHOTO University of Manitoba Bisons guard Mason Kraus captained Team Canada to a second-place finish at the FIBA U23 3X3 Nations League tournament. The local hoops standout recently made his international debut, leading Team Canada to a runner-up finish at the FIBA U23 3X3 Nations League tournament in Punta Arenas. Kraus, a Canada West First Team All-Star guard with the University of Manitoba Bisons and 2025 second-round draft pick of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, was never supposed to play in the event, but after a player dropped out last minute, he was asked to meet the team in South America on three days' notice. Shortly after arriving, Kraus was named the team's captain by his teammates before the tournament began. 'To be the captain of the team after basically not going to the thing, it's a crazy confidence boost and… it was crazy to see that, 'Mason is our guy,' and put straight faith into me,' he said. The event was taxing. Teams played six three-game tournaments — a total of 18 games — in seven days. Team Canada won the fourth stop and recorded a pair of second and third-place finishes along with a fourth-place finish in the other legs, ending second in points behind the U.S. in the Americas 2 conference. With a win, the Americans earned an automatic berth to the Nations League Final, which takes place in Xiong'an, China, in September. Meanwhile, Team Canada's fate is in the hands of a selection committee, which will decide whether it qualifies for the league final via a wild-card spot. 'It was a great experience,' Kraus said. 'Obviously, everyone plays different types of basketball, but I've never played at that level. It was a great learning experience, and meeting guys that I played through U Sports.' Also donning the Maple Leaf were Ethan Boag and Shadynn Smid, who have played against Kraus in the Canada West conference over the years as members of the University of Victoria Vikes, along with fellow U Sports players Tate Christiansen, Owen Kenney and Yohann Sam. 'It was crazy just to see them, and just learn things about how they prepare,' Kraus added. 'And then from the basketball standpoint, it was kind of a confirmation that I'm as good as I think I was, and I was able to show that I'm actually able to play at that level.' In 3X3, coaches are not permitted to be on the sideline during games. So it's often up to the team captain to draw up plays during timeouts, which Kraus did effectively. 'To be the captain of the team after basically not going to the thing, it's a crazy confidence boost.'–Mason Kraus The 6-3, 180-pound guard had never played 3X3 competitively beyond a few local tournaments, but his skill set as an excellent shooter and defender made for a smooth transition from five-on-five. 'The one big difference was passing,' he said. 'There's different passes you're supposed to do, and just picking up those little nuances of the game was a little interesting to start, but I feel like I'm a fast learner, and I was able to pick it up.' Played using one basket in a half-court setting, the game moves faster, and the passing windows are tighter. Kraus, who prides himself on being a well-conditioned athlete, noted the pace of the smaller game also requires a player's stamina to be akin to a hockey player's, with his time on the court mimicking a shift on the ice. 'It's funny because the game is 10 minutes long — a normal basketball game is 40 — but there were times I was playing the three's and I'm like, 'I've never been this tired in my life,' and I just played for like 45 seconds straight and that's it,' he said. Kraus won't have much time to rest at home. In fact, he will be living out of a suitcase for the rest of the summer. On Sunday, he and the Manitoba Bisons will depart for Portugal to play a trio of exhibition contests against local teams to prepare for the upcoming U Sports season. Kraus will only be there for nine days before he catches another flight to Paraguay, where he will rep the Maple Leaf once again in 3X3 at the Junior Pan Am Games. It's a jam-packed schedule that won't return him home until the end of August, when he'll have a few days to rest before his university classes resume. However, just like his time in Chile, Kraus wouldn't trade these experiences for anything. 'It's funny because the game is 10 minutes long — a normal basketball game is 40 — but there were times I was playing the three's and I'm like, 'I've never been this tired in my life,' and I just played for like 45 seconds straight and that's it.'–Mason Kraus 'It's been insane, but this is what I always tell my U of M guys: I've had a good U Sports career, but really the last season is kind of what put me on the map. And I always tell them, 'You only need one really good season… and everything else can change,'' he said. 'It's just crazy. One good season and your life can change.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. When Kraus returns to the Bisons for his fifth and final season this fall, he is certain teammates and coaches will see a much wiser player, thanks to an already monumental year on the court. 'Little things like that, where I was able to almost take a leadership to a coaching (role), it just builds so much confidence in myself,' Kraus said. 'I'm just excited to be able to bring back my experiences and what I've learned this summer and just apply it.' X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cristiano Ronaldo melts hearts with shirtless photo of Ronaldo Jr. in adorable ‘like father, like son' moment
Cristiano Ronaldo melts hearts with shirtless photo of Ronaldo Jr. in adorable 'like father, like son' moment (Image Source: Cristiano/IG) Cristiano Ronaldo , one of the most famous athletes on the planet, gave his millions of followers an insight into an emotional father-son moment. He posted a new photo that resonated with countless fans. This wasn't about football but something more personal. The photo was of him and his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., and it made people smile. Just a little family moment, nothing fancy, but it felt good and real. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Jr. share a shirtless photo on Instagram Cristiano shared a photo on his Instagram (@cristiano) on June 15, 2025. He stood next to his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.. They both appeared shirtless, flaunting their abs. They appeared to be pleased and at ease. The photo was taken at a gym. The caption was just three words: 'Tal Pai Tal Filho.' This means 'Like father, like son' in Portuguese. Fans loved the photo and started sharing kind words. Many left heart emojis. Some said it was a beautiful moment. Others called Ronaldo a great dad. The post felt real and gave a sneak peek into his life. As of now, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is 14 years of age. Many times, fans notice him working out with his father. He also has the same jersey number 7 as his father. He is growing just as Cristiano Ronaldo is, in some ways, not just in looks but also in his performance. The photo brought fans back to how fast time passes and how proud Cristiano Ronaldo is as a father. Cristiano Ronaldo rarely shares family moment during break from matches Ronaldo is now with the Saudi Arabian football team Al-Nassr. He is working most of the time. This post came when he was taking a quick pause. The new season starts in July, so he is spending time with his family now. Also Read: Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Down In Tears, Falls To Knees After Portugal Beat Spain In Nations League Final He does not often share pictures like this. That is why this one stood out. It was not about fame or trophies. It was about family. It was a cute moment between a father and his son. In a past talk with reporters, Ronaldo said, 'I just want him to work hard and grow. He can choose what he wants. I only want him to be happy.' That's what the photo showed happiness, strength, and love.
Extra.ie
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Complaints over Munster final shootout brilliantly shut down
A Wexford fan has taken to social media to shut down the countless complaints about how the Munster final was decided on Saturday night. After Cork and Limerick could not be separated after extra time, an epic Munster final was decided by penalties. After a 16-point beating at the hands of Limerick only last month, the Rebels were victorious on Saturday, winning the shootout 3-2 to be crowned Munster Champions. 7 June 2025; Darragh Fitzgibbon of Cork is tackled by Michael Casey and William O'Donoghue of Limerick during the Munster final between Limerick and Cork at LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile Although countless fans were jubilant after the dramatic end to such an unforgettable encounter, there were others who bemoaned how the game was decided. Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng has come out and stated that a 'replay would have been more fair' to the players. 'I know we have a new system in place and we're kind of caught for time but I just think we're a bit too caught at the minute,' he added, questioning the new season format. Sportswriter Tommy Conlon also spoke out strongly after the game, stating: 'Penalties are cheap drama. They demean the players who have to take them. They turn spectators into voyeurs. Penalties are cheap drama. They demean the players who have to take them. They turn spectators into voyeurs. Y'day they diminished e'thing that had gone before, all that competitive authenticity cheapened by this tacky contrivance to produce a winner & move onto the next fixture. — Tommy Conlon (@TConlonthecouch) June 8, 2025 'Yesterday they diminished everything that had gone before, all that competitive authenticity cheapened by this tacky contrivance to produce a winner & move onto the next fixture.' Another fan took to social media, writing: 'For Limerick to only be denied the seven-in-a-row on penalties is a tribute to them. Let's hope penalties never settles a SHC game again.' Patrick Collins of Cork saves a penalty in the Munster final. However, with countless other fans swept away by the epic final, and the manner in which it was decided, one neutral supporter has brilliantly shut down the apparent debate. Taking to social media on Sunday night after the Nations League final, which was also decided by a penalty shootout after Portugal and Spain couldn't be separated in extra time, one fan hilariously wrote: 'Ridiculous way to finish a Nations League Final on penalties. 'This should be a replay in Thurles next Sunday evening. Another victim of the condensed GAA season.' Ridiculous way to finish a Nations League Final on penalties This should be a replay in Thurles next Sunday evening Another victim of the condensed GAA season 🙄
Toronto Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Soccer fan dies after fall during Nations League final between Spain and Portugal
Published Jun 09, 2025 • Last updated 4 minutes ago • 1 minute read Stewards secure the media tribune after a soccer fan died after falling from an overhead level during the Nations League Final soccer match between Spain and Portugal. AP Photo Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. A soccer fan died during Sunday's Nations League final between Spain and Portugal after falling from an overhead level onto the media section below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'A man fell from the middle tier to the lower tier, onto a staircase near the press area, and unfortunately died at the scene,' Munich police spokesman Tobias Schenk said Monday. 'As always in such cases, the Munich police have taken over the investigation. Criminal police are on site, witnesses are being interviewed and videos reviewed. At this time, there's no evidence of anything but a tragic accident.' The fatal fall occurred during the first period of extra time at the Munich stadium, when tension was high between rival players, and fans were becoming more animated. Shocked spectators called for help and medical personnel, stewards and police cordoned off the area. Medics used a tarpaulin to shield the scene from view as doctors tried to save the man's life. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We can't give more details at the moment, except to say the man was from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area,' Schenk said. Portugal went on to win the game on penalties. Both coaches addressed the incident in their postgame news conferences. 'Before we begin with the questions, I would like to express my condolences because a fan died in the stands today. My condolences to the family,' Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. 'We're mourning the fan who died,' Portugal counterpart Roberto Martinez said. 'It's very sad news.' Earlier this year, a baseball fan in Pittsburgh suffered serious injuries after falling over a railing onto the field. Kavan Markwood suffered serious injuries after falling from the top of a 21-foot-high wall onto the warning track at PNC Park during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs. Markwood was admitted to the trauma center at Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition, but has made substantial progress since the fall. Olympics Canada Ontario Sunshine Girls Columnists
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Cristiano Ronaldo begs for Lamine Yamal privacy as Barcelona prodigy feels the heat over reaction to trophy lift
Spain star Yamal was filmed walking away from Portugal's trophy lift but CR7 wants narratives to be quashed Pleading Cristiano Ronaldo has begged for Lamine Yamal to be spared the uncompromising glare which has followed him only minutes after the prodigy was derided on social media. Spain star Yamal was filmed walking away from Portugal 's trophy lift and appeared not to be clapping with the rest of his team-mates before making a sharp bee line for the tunnel inside Munich's Allianz Arena. But the 40-year-old – who netted the equaliser to make it 2-2 and secure a penalty shoot-out – has emotionally pleaded for the collective lens to go away and allow a talent he regards as generational to truly develop. The 17-year-old Barcelona superstar wasn't at his sizzling best in the Nations League Final as Ronaldo and Portugal survived some early blows before they came on strong. Ronaldo, speaking after his third international title win with Portugal in Munich, said: 'Lamine is going to win a lot of collective and individual titles. He's a phenomenon. "He'll have a long career and he's going to win a lot of Nations Leagues. "He's 17… Please, leave him alone. I have to ask you to let him be. He has to be calm' You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
