Five things to watch for in Canadian sports this weekend

Here are five things to watch in Canadian sports this weekend:

CANADIAN CLASH

An all-Canadian showdown highlights Saturday’s Major League Soccer schedule. The Vancouver Whitecaps host CF Montreal in Sandy, Utah. Montreal has a win and two draws to open the season, while the Whitecaps are 1-1-1. Meanwhile, Toronto FC is on the road to face the New York Red Bulls.

CURLERS GOING FOR GOLD

The seventh and final event in the so-called Calgary curling bubble wraps up this weekend. The 2021 women’s world curling championship finishes with the gold-medal game on Sunday night. The world mixed doubles championship is still to come later this month in Scotland.

FAMILIAR FOES

For the third time this week, the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs square off on Saturday night. Based on the standings, it won’t be a surprise if the Original 6 rivals lock horns in the opening round of the playoffs. The Leafs lead the North Division standings, while Montreal is fourth entering the final stretch of the schedule.

MAJOR TEST

After capturing his first career PGA Tour Champions title in Texas last weekend, resurgent Canadian Mike Weir is playing in the first major of the year on the 50-and-over circuit. The native of Brights Grove, Ont., is two shots off the lead after shooting 4 under in the first round of the Regions Tradition on Thursday in Birmingham, Ala. The 2003 Masters champion’s win last weekend was his first on tour since a 2007 PGA Tour triumph. Meanwhile, Calgary’s Stephen Ames is one stroke back of the lead.

TITLE TILT

Canadian star Christine Sinclair leads the host Portland Thorns against NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup final on Saturday. Canadian forward Evelyne Viens and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan are on the NJ/NY roster.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2021.

The Canadian Press