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Deadspin | Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo stuns Grigor Dimitrov in Madrid Grigor Dimitrov is visibly frustrated during his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 7, 2026. Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay won in his ATP Masters 1000 debut as he set aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the second round of the Madrid Open. Vallejo, 21, is just the second Paraguayan to register a Masters 1000 win since the series began in 1990. The other was Ramon Delgado at Indian Wells in 2010. Vallejo saved 5 of 6 break points while dispatching the Bulgarian in 94 minutes. “It is unbelievable. It feels like a movie,” Vallejo said afterward. “I don’t know what is happening. I used to watch (Dimitrov) and all the highlights of him. All the points he did against me today, I used to watch on TV. “Now to play against him, wow. I can’t understand what is happening but I am just trying to enjoy it.” Vallejo was leading 5-2 in the second set before Dimitrov put up a fight by winning the next two games. Vallejo then won the 10th game to seal his big accomplishment. Vallejo converted 37 of 49 first-serve points (75.5%) while Dimitrov committed 27 unforced errors, nine more than Vallejo. Vallejo will face American 17th seed Learner Tien in the second round. Frenchman Gael Monfils played in his final match in Madrid and fell 6-3, 6-4 to Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Monfils reached the quarterfinals at the event in 2008 and 2010. “Tough match for me, I would have liked to do better for my last time in Madrid,” Monfils said on-court. Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) victory over American Patrick Kypson. Tsitsipas had 46 winners to 28 for Kypson. Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta recovered to knock off Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Fucsovics lost despite a 9-3 edge in aces. Qualifier Martin Damm posted a 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, but fellow American Reilly Opelka was forced to retire in his first set due to a right shoulder injury. Opelka was behind 5-3 to Norway’s Nicolai Budkov Kjaer when he decided he couldn’t continue. Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan knocked off Ethan Quinn 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) and Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann outlasted Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-7 (3), 7-5. Other winners include Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Mariano Navone, Australia’s Adam Walton, Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, France’s Terence Atmane, Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas and Spain’s Daniel Merida and Jaume Munar. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Qualifier #Adolfo #Daniel #Vallejo #stuns #Grigor #Dimitrov #Madrid

Deadspin | Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo stuns Grigor Dimitrov in Madrid
Deadspin | Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo stuns Grigor Dimitrov in Madrid Grigor Dimitrov is visibly frustrated during his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 7, 2026. Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay won in his ATP Masters 1000 debut as he set aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the second round of the Madrid Open. Vallejo, 21, is just the second Paraguayan to register a Masters 1000 win since the series began in 1990. The other was Ramon Delgado at Indian Wells in 2010. Vallejo saved 5 of 6 break points while dispatching the Bulgarian in 94 minutes. “It is unbelievable. It feels like a movie,” Vallejo said afterward. “I don’t know what is happening. I used to watch (Dimitrov) and all the highlights of him. All the points he did against me today, I used to watch on TV. “Now to play against him, wow. I can’t understand what is happening but I am just trying to enjoy it.” Vallejo was leading 5-2 in the second set before Dimitrov put up a fight by winning the next two games. Vallejo then won the 10th game to seal his big accomplishment. Vallejo converted 37 of 49 first-serve points (75.5%) while Dimitrov committed 27 unforced errors, nine more than Vallejo. Vallejo will face American 17th seed Learner Tien in the second round. Frenchman Gael Monfils played in his final match in Madrid and fell 6-3, 6-4 to Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Monfils reached the quarterfinals at the event in 2008 and 2010. “Tough match for me, I would have liked to do better for my last time in Madrid,” Monfils said on-court. Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) victory over American Patrick Kypson. Tsitsipas had 46 winners to 28 for Kypson. Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta recovered to knock off Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Fucsovics lost despite a 9-3 edge in aces. Qualifier Martin Damm posted a 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, but fellow American Reilly Opelka was forced to retire in his first set due to a right shoulder injury. Opelka was behind 5-3 to Norway’s Nicolai Budkov Kjaer when he decided he couldn’t continue. Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan knocked off Ethan Quinn 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) and Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann outlasted Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-7 (3), 7-5. Other winners include Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Mariano Navone, Australia’s Adam Walton, Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, France’s Terence Atmane, Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas and Spain’s Daniel Merida and Jaume Munar. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Qualifier #Adolfo #Daniel #Vallejo #stuns #Grigor #Dimitrov #MadridGrigor Dimitrov is visibly frustrated during his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 7, 2026.

Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay won in his ATP Masters 1000 debut as he set aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the second round of the Madrid Open.

Vallejo, 21, is just the second Paraguayan to register a Masters 1000 win since the series began in 1990. The other was Ramon Delgado at Indian Wells in 2010.

Vallejo saved 5 of 6 break points while dispatching the Bulgarian in 94 minutes.

“It is unbelievable. It feels like a movie,” Vallejo said afterward. “I don’t know what is happening. I used to watch (Dimitrov) and all the highlights of him. All the points he did against me today, I used to watch on TV.

“Now to play against him, wow. I can’t understand what is happening but I am just trying to enjoy it.”

Vallejo was leading 5-2 in the second set before Dimitrov put up a fight by winning the next two games. Vallejo then won the 10th game to seal his big accomplishment.

Vallejo converted 37 of 49 first-serve points (75.5%) while Dimitrov committed 27 unforced errors, nine more than Vallejo.


Vallejo will face American 17th seed Learner Tien in the second round.

Frenchman Gael Monfils played in his final match in Madrid and fell 6-3, 6-4 to Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Monfils reached the quarterfinals at the event in 2008 and 2010.

“Tough match for me, I would have liked to do better for my last time in Madrid,” Monfils said on-court.

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) victory over American Patrick Kypson. Tsitsipas had 46 winners to 28 for Kypson.

Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta recovered to knock off Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Fucsovics lost despite a 9-3 edge in aces.

Qualifier Martin Damm posted a 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, but fellow American Reilly Opelka was forced to retire in his first set due to a right shoulder injury. Opelka was behind 5-3 to Norway’s Nicolai Budkov Kjaer when he decided he couldn’t continue.

Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan knocked off Ethan Quinn 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) and Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann outlasted Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-7 (3), 7-5.

Other winners include Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Mariano Navone, Australia’s Adam Walton, Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, France’s Terence Atmane, Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas and Spain’s Daniel Merida and Jaume Munar.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Qualifier #Adolfo #Daniel #Vallejo #stuns #Grigor #Dimitrov #Madrid

Sports news

Grigor Dimitrov is visibly frustrated during his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 7, 2026.

Qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay won in his ATP Masters 1000 debut as he set aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the second round of the Madrid Open.

Vallejo, 21, is just the second Paraguayan to register a Masters 1000 win since the series began in 1990. The other was Ramon Delgado at Indian Wells in 2010.

Vallejo saved 5 of 6 break points while dispatching the Bulgarian in 94 minutes.

“It is unbelievable. It feels like a movie,” Vallejo said afterward. “I don’t know what is happening. I used to watch (Dimitrov) and all the highlights of him. All the points he did against me today, I used to watch on TV.

“Now to play against him, wow. I can’t understand what is happening but I am just trying to enjoy it.”

Vallejo was leading 5-2 in the second set before Dimitrov put up a fight by winning the next two games. Vallejo then won the 10th game to seal his big accomplishment.

Vallejo converted 37 of 49 first-serve points (75.5%) while Dimitrov committed 27 unforced errors, nine more than Vallejo.

Vallejo will face American 17th seed Learner Tien in the second round.

Frenchman Gael Monfils played in his final match in Madrid and fell 6-3, 6-4 to Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Monfils reached the quarterfinals at the event in 2008 and 2010.

“Tough match for me, I would have liked to do better for my last time in Madrid,” Monfils said on-court.

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) victory over American Patrick Kypson. Tsitsipas had 46 winners to 28 for Kypson.

Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta recovered to knock off Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Fucsovics lost despite a 9-3 edge in aces.

Qualifier Martin Damm posted a 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, but fellow American Reilly Opelka was forced to retire in his first set due to a right shoulder injury. Opelka was behind 5-3 to Norway’s Nicolai Budkov Kjaer when he decided he couldn’t continue.

Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan knocked off Ethan Quinn 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) and Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann outlasted Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-7 (3), 7-5.

Other winners include Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Mariano Navone, Australia’s Adam Walton, Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, France’s Terence Atmane, Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas and Spain’s Daniel Merida and Jaume Munar.

–Field Level Media

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England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.

The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is

Played: 12

England: 10

Sri Lanka: 2

What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.

But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.

“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.

“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups

Played: 2

England: 2

Sri Lanka: 0

“We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”

Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.

Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009

And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.

“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.

“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. 

“And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. 

“I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. 

“So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.”

SQUADS

England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news">England vs Sri Lanka, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Preview, Head-to-head record, squads, playing XI news England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order. ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is Played: 12 England: 10 Sri Lanka: 2 What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times. ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups Played: 2 England: 2 Sri Lanka: 0 “We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. “And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. “I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. “So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.” SQUADS England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi Published on Jun 12, 2026 #England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news

Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday. Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.” A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury. He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games. Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season. A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals. Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators. Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022. “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision. “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #AvalancheMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.

Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.

He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.


Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.

Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.

Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.

“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.

“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche">Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday. Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.” A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury. He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games. Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season. A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals. Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators. Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022. “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision. “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup. #referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

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