National Hockey

Dave Strader, the hockey broadcaster known affectionately as "The Voice," has died after battling bile duct cancer for more than a year. He was 62. The Dallas Stars said Strader died Sunday at his home in Glens Falls, New York.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers assigned forward Jesse Puljujarvi to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League on Sunday. Puljujarvi, 19, had two goals and an assist in five pre-season games.

The NHL's two most dynamic stars under 21 play there, and it's the home of five playoff teams from last season and potentially more this year. Oh, Canada, home of some pretty good hockey.

TORONTO — The changing fortunes of the Toronto Maple Leafs have been evident by the topics of discussion during the pre-season. Debate has centred around the identity of the fourth-line centre and sixth defenceman.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators assigned defencemen Thomas Chabot and Ben Harpur to AHL Belleville on Sunday. Ottawa also placed forward Max McCormick on waivers with the purpose of being assigned to the AHL if he clears.

OTTAWA — Last season the Ottawa Senators surprised much of the NHL with a deep playoff run to the Eastern Conference final that ended with a double overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

NASHVILLE — The fans going nuts at the biggest party in Nashville, catfish flying onto the ice and then a stirring post-season run coming to a screeching halt in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against Pittsburgh.

WINNIPEG — Before training camp even began, Blake Wheeler set the bar for the Winnipeg Jets. It's basically playoffs or bust this season for the NHL club's second-year captain.

MONTREAL — Brendan Gallagher's wish for the NHL season is to stay healthy and rediscover his scoring touch.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks know things are going to get a lot more difficult when the games start to matter. And they weren't all that easy to begin with on Saturday night.