There aren't many sports tournaments in the world where the semifinals are more important than the final, but that's exactly the situation for Canada and Mexico Friday night in women's Olympic soccer qualifying at BC Place in Vancouver.

The full list of competitiors and assignments for the 2012 Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition, set for Saturday night at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 6:30 p.m. ET).

The Calgary Flames have dealt journeyman centre Brendan Morrison to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday for minor league defenceman Brian Connelly.

CBC's Hockey Night in Canada and Hyundai will team up Friday night (CBCSports.ca, 10 p.m. ET) in Vancouver for a coaching symposium as part of 'Hyundai Hockey Nation.'

St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliott, a former member of the Senators, is back in Ottawa after he was named to the NHL all-star team thanks to his stellar performance this season.

Rob Gronkowski's playing status for the Super Bowl was listed as questionable on Friday after the star tight end missed the New England Patriots practice for the second straight day with an injured left ankle.

Commissioner Bud Selig expects baseball to expand its playoffs this season. Players and owners have already agreed to add an additional wild-card team in each league, but are still deciding whether it would take effect this year or in 2013.

Glenn Howard and Kevin Martin are tied with 4-0 records Friday after seven draws at the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling.

Novak Djokovic survived Andy Murray's Friday night at the Australian Open, winning in five sets to ensure a third straight Grand Slam final against Rafael Nadal.

Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay say there are no hard feelings between them.

Receiver Eric Deslauriers was among 14 players to sign deals with the Montreal Alouettes Friday, including 2011 CFL draft picks tackle Anthony Barrette, defensive back Blaine Ruttan and guard Reed Alexander.

Lindsey Vonn won a World Cup super-combined event Friday in St. Moritz, Switzerland, to extend her lead in the overall standings over second-place Tina Maze.

Outfielder Juan Pierre has agreed to a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, while utility infielder Ryan Theriot is joining San Francisco on a one-year, $1.25 million US deal.

Defending champion and three-time winner Martin Kaymer carded a 1-over par 73 and missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in the United Arab Emirates on Friday.

The 2012 London Olympics are less than six months away and three Canadian athletes spread the message of the modern Games to a Toronto public school minus the bravado, writes CBCSports.ca's Scott Russell.