2011 finalist: Dylan Armstrong

The gentle giant from Kelowna, B.C., Dylan Armstrong, is just now approaching his peak in one of the most primal events in sport.

Painting a masterpiece

Alex Anthopoulos has tinkered with the current Jays' roster, but bold strokes may be required to appease what is an eager fanbase.

Jays playing dangerous

With their season in danger of going off the rails at a treacherous point in the schedule, it's time for the Toronto Blue Jays to grow up.

Tough act to follow

With the London 2012 Games less than 100 days away, the struggle to induce interest in the wake of Vancouver begins for Canada.

Canada at a crossroad

Canadian soccer has a shot at reform with new blood and thinking on its next political ballot, but strength in the status quo still exists.

Derby delight in Manchester

There is much more than just a league championship on the line when United visits City in the Manchester derby.

Clinging to melting ice

The Arizona city gambled that an NHL team was its ticket to the big leagues. It wasn't.

Customer is always right

Hand-wringing over old-time hockey and debated suspensions are by-products of both fans and players living and dying for a Cup.

Not wanted on the voyage

Blame ignorance, the time zone, the riot. Whatever the reason, Canada won't get behind the Canucks.

Jays fans ready to believe

It's been nearly two decades since Blue Jays fans anticipated a home opener quite like this one and it might be because they've gone all in.

Misery loves company

With the Maple Leafs and Canadiens both closing out failed seasons, only one question remains: Who's got it worse?

At home with Bautista

Santo Domingo is not for everyone, but as Stephen Brunt discovered, it is for Jose Bautista, the pre-eminent power hitter in baseball.

Magazine: At home with Bautista

Santo Domingo is not for everyone, but as Stephen Brunt discovered, it is for Jose Bautista, the pre-eminent power hitter in baseball.

Brunt on soccer: Canada craving a winner

The appetite for soccer in Canada is growing and an Olympic berth would satisfy the hunger for big-time international competition.

Leafs trying, but failing

The brass at MLSE wants the Maple Leafs to win just as badly as the long-suffering fans do; it's just that they've been incompetent.

Magazine: Beeston Q&A

Stephen Brunt recently sat down with Toronto Blue Jays president Paul Beeston to talk legacies, fan support and building a winner.

Brunt on Blue Jays: Anthopoulos not buying hype

Even with the Toronto Blue Jays being the talk of spring training, general manager Alex Anthopoulos knows now isn't the time to rest.

Brunt: Pieces in place for Canadian baseball

Led in part by Brett Lawrie, the Toronto Blue Jays and Baseball Canada could be entering a new golden age for the sport in this country.

Hamilton homecoming

Andy Fantuz may not receive the same rock star treatment he did while in Saskatchewan, but that doesn't bother him at all.

Too good to be true

Fan-friendly and clean-living, Gary Carter was often considered a phony for being too good to be true. Truth is, he was just a kid at heart.

Brunt on hockey: The Russians are winning

Forget 1972 and forget the first Canada Cup, hockey's best squad ever wasn't Canadian; it was the Soviets in 1981.

Quebec ready for Nordiques return

Quebec City has everything the NHL needs: an owner with money, a new rink on the horizon and a fanbase that is passionate about hockey.

The other Manning

While brother Eli prepares for Super Bowl XLVI, Peyton Manning and his inevitable departure from Indianapolis is dominating headlines.

Brunt on boxing: Dundee always in Ali's corner

Beyond being a master motivator and strategist, Angelo Dundee played a subtle but essential role in Muhammad Ali's life and career.

Brunt on soccer: Best night ever for Canada?

Was Canada's 3-1 semifinal victory over Mexico Friday in CONCACAF women's Olympic qualifying the best night in Canadian soccer history?

Little humble us

Canada has yet to crush an opponent like its closest rival from the south have in qualifying, but don't mistake it for a lack of confidence.

Still stinging at 70

Despite the decline of the sport he made famous, Muhammad Ali remains a galvanizing figure in global sports on his 70th birthday.

Herdman in his own words

In just two months, John Herdman has led Canada out of a World Cup hangover to Pan-Am gold. Olympic qualifying is next, beginning Jan. 19.

Forgive the heresy

The fortnight of junior hockey Canadians flock to each year doesn't just border on overkill, it actually is.

Dangers of hope & expectations

In sport, you're either trying to win or make people believe you can win. Sometimes, selling that principle results in disappointment.

A little Tim in Tom

In 2000 New England gambled on a fourth-string QB who found a way to win. Sunday he faces the second coming of himself in Tim Tebow.

A weekend to remember

It was a one of the most memorable weekends in Canadian Football League history and it culminated in a B.C. Lions Grey Cup win.

The great Canadian party

Take a look at how the Grey Cup, since its first game in 1948, has become Canada's greatest single day party.

Baddest man on the planet

Sportsnet magazine named its top 28 bad guys in sports and there was little surprise as to who came to mind first.

Commish carousel hurts CFL

When commissioner Mark Cohon steps to the podium to deliver the annual state-of-the-league address Friday it may double as a farewell.

So much on the line

It would be a devastating blow to all of hockey if Sidney Crosby is in any way diminished in his return to the game.

Teflon Tony’s legacy is intact

Considered one of baseball's great modern innovators, Tony La Russa goes out on his own terms.

A champion's battle

Although the Thrilla in Manila left Joe Frazier lost in the shadow of Muhammad Ali, he left the ring unconquered.

Brunt on Leafs: Waiting for deliverance

The long stretch of hopelessness for fans of the Maple Leafs has perversely inspired an incremental increase in passion.

Brunt on Argos: Fumbling the ball in T.O.

The Argos have reached a point where nothing -- not even the threat of extinction -- can make people care.

Brunt on World Series: Baseball’s doing just fine

On the heels of the St. Louis Cardinals' World Series victory over the Texas Rangers, Stephen Brunt says baseball is doing just fine.

Once more unto the breach

A song in the heart of a city

The sentimentalism will pass. But the return of the Jets reminds us that Winnipeg thrived even without the NHL.

The razor's edge

With driver safety at an all-time high and fatalities fading, Dan Wheldon's death is a reminder of racing's inherent risks.

Brunt on UFC: Clearing a path

Brunt on Yankees: Whither the Pinstripes?

When hated super teams like the New York Yankees don't win, the sports world loses.

The Canadian identity

In the never-ending quest to nail down a Canadian identity, hockey always comes to the fore.