The decisive moment came in the sixth end when Canada scored four points using a power play—this shift turned the tide against Italy’s Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, whom they defeated with an impressive score of 11-3. Canada’s shooting accuracy was strikingly high at 89 percent, compared to Italy’s 65 percent, showcasing their dominance on the ice.

This win is particularly meaningful for Kadriana Lott, who earned her first-ever world curling medal. Colton Lott, on the other hand, secured his second international medal of the 2025-26 season. Their success reflects not just individual talent but also the hard work put in by Team Lott throughout the championship.

Key statistics from the match:

• Final score: Canada 11, Italy 3
• Canada’s shooting accuracy: 89%
• Italy’s shooting accuracy: 65%
• Points scored by Canada in the sixth end: 4

Colton expressed his pride in their achievement, stating, “There’s no words that can describe this feeling right now, other than just gratitude.” Kadriana echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such international events and how they cherish these moments together.

This championship also casts a spotlight on other countries competing in international curling. For instance, Czechia recently defeated Latvia to win bronze at the U-18 Men’s World Championship—an achievement that adds to their history of success in this arena.

The landscape of curling is evolving rapidly, with nations like Latvia achieving their best-ever finish at this level. The sport continues to gain traction globally, and Canada’s latest victory may inspire future generations to pursue excellence in curling.

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“At the end of the day, I’m in an industry that’s about playing hockey. That’s a pretty good gig. And I’ve had it my whole life,” said Carla MacLeod, reflecting on her career as she takes an indefinite leave from her coaching position with the Ottawa Charge to focus on her health.

MacLeod, who was diagnosed with breast cancer just a week into the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season in late November, has shown remarkable resilience. Despite her diagnosis, she has only missed one game while undergoing treatment, scheduling her radiation sessions to avoid conflicts with her coaching duties.

The Ottawa Charge, currently holding a record of 13-11-1 and sitting fifth in the league standings, will now be led by interim head coach Haley Irwin during MacLeod’s absence. Irwin expressed the team’s understanding of the situation, stating, “I think, unfortunately, but fortunately maybe, it’s not new to us that Carla has had to step away. So we’ve been through it before as a group, and we know that we just continue to do what we do.”

The organization has expressed full support for MacLeod, requesting privacy for her family as she navigates this challenging period. “She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery,” the Ottawa Charge stated.

MacLeod, 43, from Spruce Grove, Alberta, has a rich history in women’s hockey. She previously coached the Czechia national women’s hockey team during the Milan Cortina Olympics, where they finished third in Pool A play. Additionally, she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist as a defender on Canada’s national team.

As the Charge continue their season with five games left, the team will undoubtedly feel the impact of MacLeod’s absence. However, her determination to coach despite her health challenges has inspired both her players and the broader hockey community.

With the support of her team and the hockey world, MacLeod’s journey through treatment will be closely followed. The next steps in her recovery and coaching career remain to be seen, but her legacy in the sport is firmly established.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for MacLeod’s return, but her health and recovery remain the priority for both her and the Ottawa Charge.

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“Not official,” Jaromir Jagr told NHL.com when asked if he was retired. At 54 years old, Jagr’s storied career in professional hockey has reached a pivotal moment, as he grapples with the realities of aging and the demands of the sport.

Jagr last played for Kladno in the Czech Extraliga on December 21, where he recorded one assist and a minus-7 rating in six games. His team’s season concluded on March 15 with a disappointing five-game loss to Sparta, leaving fans and analysts to ponder the future of the legendary forward.

Having been a majority owner of Kladno since the 2011-12 season, Jagr sold 80 percent of his ownership in January 2025, a move that raises questions about his long-term commitment to the franchise. Despite his declining ice time—averaging a maximum of just 12 minutes per game—Jagr remains a beloved figure in the hockey community.

“I still like (playing), but I don’t know how long I’m going to be active, be able to walk and enjoy my life,” Jagr remarked, reflecting on the physical toll that professional sports can take. His candidness about the future is a stark reminder that even legends must confront their limitations.

Jagr is second in NHL history for most game-winning goals, with 135, a record recently surpassed by Alex Ovechkin, who now holds 140. As Jagr contemplates his next steps, he is also expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2029, a fitting tribute to a career filled with remarkable achievements.

In a recent statement, Jagr expressed his thoughts on the nature of his active life: “It doesn’t make sense to me to practice at my age, and get ready at my age, spending so much time in my life doing this for hockey and my ice time is like maximum 12 minutes a game.” This sentiment underscores the internal conflict he faces as he weighs his passion for the game against the realities of his age.

As the hockey world watches closely, Jagr’s future remains uncertain. He has not officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, leaving fans hopeful yet anxious about his next move. Details remain unconfirmed.

With fellow players like Anze Kopitar announcing their retirement, Jagr’s situation adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of aging athletes in the sport. As he continues to engage with fans—recently signing autographs for 300 supporters—his legacy remains strong, even as he contemplates life beyond the rink.

Ultimately, the question remains: How long will Jaromir Jagr continue to grace the ice? Only time will tell, but for now, the hockey community holds its breath in anticipation of what lies ahead for this iconic player.

The post Jaromir Jagr: The Uncertain Future of a Hockey Legend appeared first on News Canada.

The stage is set for a crucial World Cup qualifier semi-final match between Ireland and Czechia, taking place at the Fortuna Arena in Prague on March 26, 2026, at 3:45 p.m. ET. This encounter is not just another match; it represents a significant turning point for both nations, each with its own aspirations and challenges.

Before this decisive moment, expectations were varied. Ireland, having not qualified for the World Cup since 2002, was desperate to end a 24-year absence from the global stage. Their recent form has shown promise, with three consecutive wins in Group F, including a standout performance by Troy Parrott, who netted a hat-trick against Hungary. On the other hand, Czechia has been formidable at home, boasting an unbeaten streak in their last 16 home games, a record that has instilled confidence among their supporters.

The immediate shift in dynamics comes from the contrasting trajectories of the two teams leading up to this match. While Ireland has been on an upward trend, Czechia has maintained its stronghold at home, having not lost a game since 2024. This match is set to be a litmus test for both sides; Ireland aims to capitalize on their recent momentum, while Czechia seeks to uphold its home advantage.

The implications of this match extend beyond mere statistics. For Ireland, a victory would not only bring them closer to World Cup qualification but also serve as a significant morale booster for a team that has faced years of disappointment. Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has emphasized the importance of this match, stating that it is a chance to rewrite their football narrative.

Conversely, Czechia, under the guidance of coach Miroslav Koubek, is looking to assert its dominance and secure a place in the World Cup. Patrik Schick, expected to lead the line for Czechia, has been in fine form, having scored two goals in a recent match. His performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of this encounter.

Experts suggest that the winner of this match will face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. This adds another layer of intensity to an already high-stakes game. The anticipation surrounding the match is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the kickoff.

As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the stakes could not be higher. Ireland’s hope to end a lengthy World Cup drought contrasts sharply with Czechia’s desire to maintain its unbeaten home record. The outcome will not only impact the teams involved but also resonate throughout their respective football communities.

As the match approaches, details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineups and strategies each team will employ. However, one thing is certain: the Ireland vs Czechia match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with passion, determination, and the hope of World Cup glory.

The post Ireland vs Czechia: A Clash of World Cup Aspirations appeared first on News Canada.