associate membership in the sport.Campbell University ann

CALGARY, Alberta -- The Calgary Flames struggled to win with Johnny Gaudreau. Now they face a long stretch in which they must win without him.The Flames play their second game without their injured star on Friday, hosting a Chicago Blackhawks squad that is infinitely better than the team they defeated in their first game without Gaudreau on Wednesday, the Arizona Coyotes.Every guy recognizes that we lost a really good player and now collectively we have to play a certain way to get ourselves in a position to get points in this league, Calgary coach Glen Gulutzan said. Its certainly hurt us as a hockey club, but we look at it as something we can rally around and try to find a true identity here.Gaudreau underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon after breaking a finger the night before when slashed by Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter. He is expected to miss about six weeks, Calgary general manager Brad Treliving said.The Flames (7-10-1) beat the Wild 1-0 on Tuesday on Gaudreaus goal and followed it up the next night by eking out a 2-1 overtime victory over Coyotes, who are last overall in the 30-team league.Up next, however, is one of the leagues elite squads, Chicago, which is third overall entering Fridays play. The Blackhawks (11-4-2) began a seven-game road trip with a 4-0 loss in Winnipeg on Tuesday, which ended their seven-game winning streak and marked the first time they failed to gain at least a point in 11.Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is very conscious that the chasing teams arent far behind.Theres a real big pack in the middle; everybody seems to be just around the .500 mark, he told the Chicago Tribune. The way weve been playing, were fortunate where we are in the standings. Its a tremendous pack where everybodys in the mix and there are no easy games.The Flames took Thursday off from both skating and answering questions about how they were going to overcome the loss of Gaudreau, who after struggling to start the season appeared to be rounding into form. He had three goals in his last two games.Were sort of working around a six-week timeframe (for his absence), Treliving said. Hopefully its shorter. ...We dont have time to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to come together. ... Everyone has injuries. You deal with them.The Blackhawks began their 13-day road trip unhappy with their play despite not having lost in regulation since Oct. 21 prior to the Winnipeg setback. Expectations certainly are higher for a team chasing first place overall than they are for someone like the Flames, who are just trying to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.Its not how you want to start (the trip) at all, Quenneville told the Chicago Sun-Times. We have tougher games as we keep going. They keep getting tougher and tougher and tougher. Theres no easy games on the road anymore. Weve had a favorable schedule here, and we know we have to play much better. Fake NFL Jerseys Online . -- The Missouri Tigers might not have a roster full of superstars. Fake NFL Jerseys Free Shipping . The 19-year-old Olsen played 34 games with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL this season. In that time, hes recorded 17 goals and 17 assists with 36 penalty minutes. https://www.fakenfljerseys.com/ . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Fake NFL Jerseys For Sale . -- Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No. Fake NFL Jerseys China .Y. -- Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers had no intention of changing his hard-hitting style before taking part in a disciplinary hearing for his illegal check to New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus head.Rory McIlroy believes he is still in with a chance of defending his Dubai Desert Classic title after a strong finish to his second round. The world No 2 looked in danger of an early exit when three bogeys in a four-hole stretch around the turn left him below the projected cut line, before he finished strongly with a hat-trick of birdies to close with a level-par 72.McIlroy heads into the weekend six strokes adrift of midway pacesetter Rafa Cabrera-Bello and the Northern Irishman admitted he had to dig deep to stay in contention. Rory McIlroy was three over for the day when he reached the turn I didnt have my best stuff with me, McIlroy told Sky Sports. I struggled at the start of the round and around the middle, so needed something first and foremost just to be here for the weekend.I felt like I played some decent golf out there. A couple of tentative putts, couple of loose shots, but all in all a decent finish and if I can get off to a better start tomorrow then you never know.Having recovered from a slow start on Thursday to post a decent first round, McIlroy carded an opening-hole blemish for the second day running after finding the bunker with his approach to the par-four. McIlroy the Dubai king? A look back at McIlroys Dubai wins McIlroy bounced back from a three-putt bogey at the fourth to sink aa 15-footer at the next, but lost further ground when he failed to get up and down from just off the eighth green.ddddddddddddA missed par save from seven feet completed a front-nine 38, before McIlroy dropped back to level par for the week with another three-putt at the 11th.After saving par from five feet at the next, the 26-year-old found the par-five 13th green in two and two-putted for the first of four birdies along the closing holes. McIlroy claimed a three-shot win at the Emirates GC last year The four-time major champion followed a close-range birdie at the 16th by nearly reaching the green off the tee at the par-four next to move another stroke closer to the lead, before finishing his round in style by holing a 20-footer at the last.I missed a few short putts and wasnt really commThe MLB trade deadline is nearing, and speculation is heating up across baseball. Here is what our writers are hearing:?Fridays trade buzz (July 22)Jerry Crasnicks take: While Chris Archer and the Tampa Bay starters are attracting the bulk of the attention, Pearce is an intriguing, under-the-radar name at the deadline. He has a .322/.393/.522 slash line and has less than $2 million still owed to him this year before hell become a free agent in November. Hes capable of playing first, second, third and outfield, and hes relatively affordable. He could be a nice fit for a contending team that doesnt want to take the plunge on a big-name bat.Katie Strangs take:?On Thursday, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn admitted trading an ace such as Chris Sale may be extreme, even if the team opts to rebuild, but he didnt completely shut the door on the possibility, as he told reporters the team will be open-minded to everything but short-term rentals. Manager Robin Ventura indicated that he doesnt think Sale will be fazed by the trade speculation. I think Chris is probably used to it by now. His name gets mentioned every trade deadline and offseason, Ventura said prior to Thursdays 2-1 loss to the Tigers. Thats part of being good. If your name is being mentioned, youre probably a pretty good player and people want you. It doesnt ever shock me when his name comes up because I think any team in either league would want him.Katie Strangs take:?Tigers manager Brad Ausmus already made it clear that he doesnt think the Tigers will be sellers at the trade deadline. Standing pat seems to be a much more realistic option. When asked before Fridays game, Ausmus said that doing so can sometimes serve as a vote of confidence in a club, as it shows faith in how a roster is currently comprised. Considering the Tigers have played middle-of-the-pack baseball and already carry a hefty payroll, that might be the preferred course of action.Thursdays trade buzz (July 21)Jayson Starks take: Most clubs that have asked about Archer have come away with the impression Tampa Bay is highly unlikely to move him. So why would the Dodgers be a different case? This executives take? Because Dodgers president Andrew Friedman and Rays president Matt Silverman are so close. Because the Dodgers have an extreme need for an impact starter they could control beyond this year. And because the Dodgers have prospects that fit what the Rays would need to get back in order to move their ace.Nevertheless, the Rays have been telling teams the Dodgers dont have any advantage over anyone else, despite the history and friendship of Friedman and Silverman. So if the Dodgers were able to pull this off, it would take a massive package, one that separates them from teams like Texas, another club with an excellent farm system that hasnt been able to match up with the Rays on Archer.Katie Strangs take: Though the Tigers are in a similar spot with respect to the wild-card standings as they were last season, this years team feels different to manager Brad Ausmus -- one that has more potential and upside if they can remain healthy. Ausmus admitted he didnt like the decision to sell last year -- he told then-general manager Dave Dombrowski: I think its a mistake when Dombrowski informed him they were going to unload pieces -- but doesnt envision a similar scenario this time around.Katie Strangs take:?Chicago White Sox GM Rick Hahn told reporters Thursday that the team hasnt ruled out the idea of a rebuild -- though he admitted idea of dealing someone like Chris Sale may be extreme -- and that the organization has the long-term plan in mind. What does that mean for the short term? Manager Robin Ventura noted that his club has shown resilience through stretches already this season and that they will need to do so again if they have any chance to remain in the hunt.Jerry Crasnicks take: Lind, 33, wont generate a ton of interest with his .230/.265/.455 slash line against right-handed pitching. But he does have 14 homers in 222 at-bats against righties, so he might have some appeal to a contending team looking for a lefty corner bat with quick-strike capability. Hes a free agent at the end of this season, so Dipoto would probably be happy to move him for a second-tier prospect.Wednesdays trade buzz (July 20)David Schoenfields take: The Indians like the defense of Roberto Perez and Chris Gimenez, but Indians catchers are hitting under .170 and have the lowest OPS in the majors. Lucroy would be a big upgrade, and his low salary means the Indians can afford to bring him on. Will they give up Bradley Zimmer or Clint Frazier? That might be too steep a price.David Schoenfields take: This is an interesting idea that kind of comes out of nowhere, considering that the Pirates need rotation help, but you can see what the Bucs are thinking. Their starters dont go deep into games, so more bullpen depth could help mask the weak rotation. With Mark Melancon an impending free agent, Gomez could take over as closer next year.Jayson Starks take: Other clubs say the Phillies are looking for a return similar to what they got for Jonathan Papelbon last season: a young pitcher or two with a live arm and upside but not a top-ranked prospect. Hellickson has about $3 million left on his contract, and the Phillies could use that as a bargaining chip: Take less money, give up a better player -- or vice-versa.Jerry Crasnicks take: Even with Clayton Kershaw dogged by back issues and Hyun-Jin Ryu on the disabled list, the Dodgers are running out a rotation with Scott Kazmir, Kenta Maeda, Bud Norris, Brandon McCarthy and Julio Urias this week. They also have Alex Wood and Brett Anderson working their way back from the DL. Given the teams long-term commitments to so many pitchers, Andrew Friedman and the front office dont have much incentive to go out and trade for a No. 4 or 5 starter.Jerry Crasnicks take:?Brian Sabean and Bobby Evans seem determined to upgrade the Giants bullpen, which ranks seventh in the National League with a 3.88 ERA. At the very least, the Giants would like to add some seventh- or eighth-inning depth to enhance manager Bruce Bochys maneuverability. Hes a master at using the pen, and thats playing to his strength.Tuesdays trade buzz (July 19)Eddie Matzs take:?The Nats thought they had solved their center-field issue when they traded for Ben Revere in January. But Washingtons CF posse (primarily Revere and backup Michael Taylor) has an on-base percentage of .274, worst in the NL at that position. They could use more production. The good news is corner outfielders Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth, who have had their share of boo-boos in recent years, have stayed healthy. Even if the injury bug does bite, Taylor, like Gardner, can play all three OF positions (and well), so adding an outfielder probably isnt the teams top priority (see: bullpen).Katie Strangs take: Manager Brad Ausmus said no decision has been made yet on the teams position heading into trade deadline but general manager Al Avila is preparing for all possibilities. However, based on track records, he seems to think the Tigers will be looking to add rather than subtract if theyre still in the playoff race. Last year, the Tigers unloaded Yoenis Cespedes, David Price and Joakim Soria at the deadline while three games under .500 (50-53) and in third place in the American League Central division, behind the Kansas City Royals (61-41) and Minnesota Twins (53-49), according to ESPN Stats & Info.Scott Laubers take:?When the Red Sox drew up their initial pitching plans for after the All-Star break, they slotted in Clay Buchholz to make a start at some point this week. Then they traded for left-hander Drew Pomeranz. With the rotation full once again and reliever Junichi Tazawa (right shoulder impingement) expected to be activated Friday, a roster move is forthcoming. Buchholz hasnt pitched since July 2 and isnt an obvious fit for a relief role. He also cant be sent to the minors without his consent, so although the Red Sox are always careful about preserving as much pitching depth as possible, Buchholz is a prime trade candidate, especially to a National League team.Mark Saxons take: General manager John Mozeliak indicated that the rhetoric is picking up in trade talks in recent days and that he remains solely focused on adding relief help, if he can, by the deadline. He also said, I think its pretty clear who has got players available and who doesnt. Most of the buzz now is around the New York Yankees and, especially, Aroldis Chapman, but that might not be the type of player the Cardinals are looking for. Acquiring Chapman will demand a serious return of young talent, and the Cardinals are trying to rebuild their system (and could face penalties that deprive them of even more prospects due to the hacking case). Also, theyre not convinced Trevor Rosenthal cant iron out his command issues and become their closer again.Tim Kurkjian video: Dodgers trying to trade Puig for well over a yearDoug Padillas take: The consensus is that the Dodgers could trade outfielder Yasiel Puig for the right price, which would be either an upgrade in the outfield or some help for the pitching staff. Puig is still just 25, with loads of upside, so the question remains: If he can show progress with the mental side of his game (worry less about being flashy, become less anxious in pressure situations), would the Dodgers be more inclined to keep him, or would teams sweeten the pot to get him?Jerry Crasnicks take: Its likely Cleveland would have to part with one of its top position player prospects, Clint Frazier or Bradley Zimmer, in a trade for Miller because he still has two-plus years left on his four-year, $36 million contract with the Yankees. The Indians might be able to get creative and come up with a different mix for Chapman, considering hes a free agent after this season. On the other hand, that 105 mph radar gun reading vs. Baltimores J.J. Hardy on Monday will only increase the buzz surrounding Chapman.Katie Strangs take:?Tigers LF Justin Upton balked when asked about the importance of the next 12 games heading into this years trade deadline. He seemed surprised at any suggestion that the Tigers might be sellers, noting the teams place within the division and wild-card standings, and he expressed confidence in his club, even if Detroit decides to stand pat.Mondays trade buzz (July 23)Marchands take:?At Triple-A Iowa, the 23-year-old left-handed hitter has a .956 OPS. The Yankees have first baseman Greg Bird returning from shoulder surgery next year to replace Mark Teixeira, but one scout said Vogelbach is better than Bird and reasoned that Vogelbach -- who, like Bird, probably cant play the outfield -- might be a DH, but he might rake enough to make it worth it.Jesse Rogers take:?There is no indication that a real rumor exists, only reports that the Yankees would want slugger Kyle Schwarber in a deal for left-handed reliever Andrew Miller. Epstein, the Cubs president of baseball operations, was emphatic about looking forward to seeing Schwarber in a Cubs uniform next spring training.Katie Strangs take: With todays dismissal of longtime Twins general manager Terry Ryan, interim GM Rob Antony takes the helm for the organization at an interesting time: two weeks prior to the trade deadline. As for what he was told by ownership? Do whatever it takes, Antony said, noting that he was not instructed to cut payroll or shed players. I dont have any constraints.?David Schoenfields take:?It wouldnt make sense for the Rays to sell low on Archer, who has struggled with fastball command and home runs (he has given up 20 already, after allowing 19 last season) while posting a 4.68 ERA. His contract runs through 2021, when a team option would pay him just $11 million. Thats the kind of player the Rays need to keep -- not deal. Fake Twins Jerseys . McCarthy, a player who played some games in the second tier for Wigan at the start of this season, would go on to shine inside Evertons midfield, outplaying the man he was brought in to replace, on one of the grandest stages in English football. On Saturday, it was fitting that Manchester Uniteds most recent dagger into the chest was delivered by Frenchman Yohan Cabaye, a wonderfully gifted central midfielder who put on an outstanding effort for Newcastle at Old Trafford. Paul Molitor Jersey . He just needed to be his best twisting, turning acrobatic self. "I didnt need to be anybody else, I just needed to be myself and be aggressive," said Burks, who scored a career-high 34 points to spark the Utah Jazz to a 118-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. https://www.cheaptwins.com/152t-paul-molitor-jersey-twins.html . Despite the cost, effort and an improved steroid test, its possible that very few -- if any -- positives will be detected, Dr. Richard Budgett told The Associated Press in an interview. "We just dont know what the results from Torino will be," Budgett said. Minnesota Twins Gear . Bryzgalov stopped 25 shots on Saturday in the Oklahoma City Barons 4-1 victory over the Abbotsford Heat. The Oilers signed Bryzgalov to a one-year $2 million contract last Friday after shedding payroll by dealing defenceman Ladislav Smid to the Flames. Minnesota Twins Shirts . Brandon Morrow allowed five runs on six hits over three innings. He struck out two, walked one and hit a batter. Edwin Encarnacion had a two-out, bases loaded two-RBI double in the third inning. (STATS) -- The Big South Conference continues to build in football, announcing Tuesday the University of North Alabama will join as an associate member beginning with the 2019 season.North Alabama will be rising to the FCS level from Division II, where it won national titles from 1993-95 to become the first school in NCAA scholarship football to win three consecutive titles. The Lions will transition into the Atlantic Sun Conference, which doesnt sponsor football, but has a partnership with the Big South for automatic associate membership in the sport.Campbell University announced last month it will move from the Pioneer Football League to the Big South in 2018. With North Alabamas arrival a year later, Big South football will have eight members, an all-time high.With the Lions strong and proud history in football, we know UNA will be an outstanding member,, Big South commissioner Kyle Kallander said.ddddddddddddWhile North Alabama will immediately play a full Big South schedule, its games will not count in the standings and the Lions will not be eligible for the conference championship or the FCS playoffs until 2022 when the athletic program receives active full-fledged Division I status.This season, UNA has advanced to the Division II semifinals in its 21st all-time playoff appearance. The Lions are under the guidance of former Temple coach Bobby Wallace, who is in his second coaching stint with the Gulf South Conference program.The Big Souths current football programs are Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, Liberty, Presbyterian and associate members Kennesaw State and Monmouth. ' ' 'itting to the lines that I was picking, McIlroy added. Birdieing the last three holes definitely gives me a little bit of momentum heading into the weekend. In a way Im thankful that Im not out as one of the last pairings tomorrow, because I feel that Ill get some of the better conditions and the course will be a little more receptive.Watch the Dubai Desert Classic throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Third round coverage gets underway live on Saturday from 9am. Also See: WATCH: McIlroys future win? First round highlights Desert Classic leaderboard Golf live on Sky Sports 4 ' ' '