sports and games

What’s bringing you joy amid the coronavirus crisis? Washingtonians share what’s getting them through the pandemic.


From an unexpected friendship across species, to a cluster of clay llamas, to finding a way to remotely produce a song featuring multiple collaborators, people across Washington state have found ways to stay connected to their artistic communities, their jobs and their routines — or to find beauty in the changes themselves. 




sports and games

Snowboarding visionary Jake Burton Carpenter dies at 65


Whether you had a gold medal hanging from your neck, were just learning how to stand on a snowboard, or were one of those flustered skiers wondering where all the kids in the baggy pants were coming from, you knew the name “Burton.” Jake Burton Carpenter, the man who changed the game on the mountain […]




sports and games

Storms this week expected to add needed depth to Washington snowpack


By the end of December, snowpack statewide was only half the long-term average The vast and vital frozen reservoir provides water that supports fish, farm irrigation and power generation.




sports and games

Report: Idaho avalanche that killed 3 started by skiers


KELLOGG, Idaho (AP) — An avalanche at an Idaho ski resort that killed three people last week was triggered by skiers, despite the efforts of the ski patrol to mitigate the danger, according to a preliminary investigation. The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center said the ski patrol had taken steps on Jan. 7 to prevent avalanches […]




sports and games

The best-kept secret in winter travel: Comped same-day lift tickets with your Alaska boarding pass


Think a day trip to ski Mount Bachelor is out of reach? Think again. With this promotion, earn a complimentary lift ticket with your same-day boarding pass.




sports and games

Players, fans get creative to raise funds in hockey minors


More than a month after the ECHL canceled the rest of its season, minor league hockey players are still hoping to get some financial help. A relief fund set up by the league and Professional Hockey Players Association has $270,000 so far, about a third of the total goal. PHPA executive director Larry Landon estimates […]





sports and games

How ‘The Last Dance’ started with a simple idea in 1997


The year was 1997. Andy Thompson had an idea. Adam Silver liked his plan. Neither had any clue what they concocted. The ESPN and Netflix documentary “The Last Dance” — the story based around Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls — premieres Sunday night with the first two episodes of the 10-part series. And […]




sports and games

Sports leagues seek return to play but with no guarantees


With no games being played, recent sports headlines have centered around hopes and dreams — namely, the uncharted path leagues and teams must navigate to return to competition in the wake of the pandemic. Virtually all leagues talk publicly about their desire to return before summer. But behind closed doors, they are hatching different potential […]




sports and games

Can Ovechkin catch Gretzky? ‘The Great One’ rooting for him


Wayne Gretzky sees a lot of himself in Alex Ovechkin, from the smile on his face each time he steps on the ice to his passion for scoring goals. There are also differences, like Gretzky’s sole focus on the NHL growing up in Brantford, Ontario, versus Ovechkin’s upbringing in Moscow. “The Great One” believes the […]




sports and games

What Would Have Been: MLB’s Fiers in Houston, NBA playoffs


While watching more replays of classic games with the national sports calendar on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press looks at some of the events that would have been live the week of April 20-26: MLB: — Sign-stealing whistleblower Mike Fiers would have been in Houston with the Oakland Athletics for a […]




sports and games

Fans feeling unsafe without vaccine plays into revenue issue


With the distinct possibility of pro sports resuming in empty venues, a recent poll suggests a majority of U.S. fans wouldn’t feel safe attending games anyway without a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Seton Hall Sports Poll, 72% of Americans said they would not feel safe attending games without a vaccine, though the number dropped […]




sports and games

NHL goalies trying to stay sharp during break


TORONTO (AP) — Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom is using a tennis ball machine as part of his training to stay sharp. Columbus Blue Jackets counterpart Joonas Korpisalo doesn’t have that technology at his disposal during the coronavirus pandemic, so a wall has had to do the trick. Toronto’s Frederik Andersen is self-isolating with teammate […]




sports and games

What Would Have Been: Kentucky Derby, wild-card rematches


With the national sports calendar still pretty much on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, following a short reprieve last week thanks to an unusual NFL draft, The Associated Press looks at some of the sporting events that would have taken place the week of April 27 to May 3: RUN FOR THE ROSES: The […]




sports and games

Rinne, other NHL veterans hope for final shot at Stanley Cup


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Goaltender Pekka Rinne scratched scoring a goal off his NHL bucket list this season. Winning the Stanley Cup? That remains on the list with the season suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic amid concerns that next season will be affected, too. Rinne, a three-time All-Star and former Vezina Trophy winner, keeps […]




sports and games

Blackhawks fire team president McDonough in surprising move


CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks fired team president John McDonough on Monday, cutting ties with a key figure in the most successful decade in team history and raising questions about the direction of one of the NHL’s marquee franchises. The surprising move, coming with the season suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, could have […]




sports and games

Demolition and digging done, KeyArena readies for walls to be built as crews take coronavirus precautions


After more than a year of demolition and digging down, KeyArena will finally start building back up next week when the first wall begins to be erected in the venue's northeast quadrant. Workers inside have been diligently — and spaciously — going about their business during the coronavirus pandemic.




sports and games

Boston selects BU’s Sammy Davis with top pick in NWHL Draft


The Boston Pride selected Boston University forward Sammy Davis with the first pick in the NWHL Draft on Tuesday night. The women’s professional hockey league is heading into its sixth season. The Pride acquired the top pick from expansion Toronto in a trade hours earlier to get Davis. The 23-year-old hometown star had 17 goals […]




sports and games

Pod hockey: Leading plan for NHL return includes empty rinks


Get used to the concept of pods and pucks if the NHL is going to have any chance of completing its season, with the most likely scenarios calling for games in empty, air-conditioned arenas during the dog days of summer. What is emerging as the leading plan involves bringing teams back in a few empty […]




sports and games

For sports, coronavirus testing remains a major hurdle


MIAMI (AP) — Politicians, players and owners are trying to figure out a way to get baseball, basketball and hockey going again, not only for economic reasons but as a welcome diversion for a social distancing nation facing uncertain times. But to do so would require commandeering thousands of test kits each week for millionaire […]




sports and games

What Would Have Been: Red Sox-Yankees, NHL conference finals


With the sports calendar still mostly on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press takes a look at some of the live sporting events that would have taken place the week of May 4-10: MLB: The 162-game regular season would have been about one-fourth complete after the Boston Red Sox played this coming […]




sports and games

What Would Have Been: Red Sox-Yankees, NHL conference finals


With the sports calendar still mostly on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press takes a look at some of the live sporting events that would have taken place the week of May 4-10: MLB: The 162-game regular season would have been about one-fourth complete after the Boston Red Sox played this coming […]




sports and games

Capitals cut ties with Leipsic after disparaging comments


ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Washington Capitals on Friday placed Brendan Leipsic on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract after he made disparaging comments about women and teammates in a private social media chat. In a conversation involving his brother and Florida Panthers minor leaguer Jack Rodewald, Leipsic commented on the physical appearances of Vancouver […]




sports and games

‘Slap Shot’ still iconic in hockey despite sport’s changes


A few nights after one of their players was injured by a dirty hit, the Johnstown Jets plotted to exact some revenge on Buffalo’s Greg Neeld. An all-out brawl broke out during warmups and the North American Hockey League game was postponed, much to the dismay of ownership and presumably the fans at a sold-out […]




sports and games

Mixed feelings around hockey about holding NHL draft early


The NFL’s successful virtual draft and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of hockey this season have raised the possibility of an NHL draft held before the Stanley Cup Final. After postponing its draft scheduled for June 26-27 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL is considering having it earlier in June with the season in […]




sports and games

Chargers top pick Herbert focusing on playbook at minicamp


COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Justin Herbert should have been walking onto a Los Angeles Chargers practice field Friday for the first time. But with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down NFL facilities, he is finding other ways to work with future teammates. Herbert, who was selected with the sixth overall pick in last month’s draft, […]




sports and games

Sideline Chatter: 49ers also managed to get nearly full Subway punch card under salary cap


Hey, 49ers, did you remember to check under the couch cushions, too? Broc Rutter, the QB from North Carolina Central, got only a $279 signing bonus from San Francisco because that’s all the Niners had left after depleting their bonus pool for undrafted rookies. Gotta be the shoes Spotted in Lady Gaga’s bizarre shoe collection: […]




sports and games

Betty Wold Johnson, mother of Jets owners, dies at 99


NEW YORK (AP) — Betty Wold Johnson, the mother of New York Jets owners Christopher Johnson and Woody Johnson, has died. She was 99. The Jets announced her death Friday night on their website, but didn’t provide details. Betty Wold Johnson was often referred to as “The First Lady of the Jets” by players, and […]




sports and games

The Korean Baseball Organization is back from the coronavirus shutdown. Is this what Mariners games will look like?


The quality of the games, which include a handful of former big-league players, isn’t great. But it’s real, live baseball being broadcast by ESPN. Beyond the joy of watching baseball, these games provide a glimpse of what Mariners games and other MLB matchups might look like if/when they return.




sports and games

Colleges thrown for big losses in sports budget crunch


MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — With the end of this virus-disrupted school year drawing nearer, a predictably bleak financial outlook for major college sports has emerged from the budgeting process. The West Virginia athletic department announced Friday a projected $5 million shortfall, with pay cuts for coaches and staffers queued up in response. There’s a $4 million […]




sports and games

Saints cut 3-year starter, 3-time Pro Bowl guard Warford


NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have cut three-time Pro Bowl right guard Larry Warford, whose three-year run as a starter was cast into doubt by the club’s selection of interior lineman Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the NFL draft. Warford, whose termination was announced Friday by general manager Mickey Loomis, […]




sports and games

Women’s soccer players ask for equal pay appeal, trial delay


American women’s soccer players want to delay a trial until after an appellate court reviews last week’s decision to throw out their claim of unequal pay while allowing allegations of discriminatory work conditions to move forward. Lawyers for the women filed a motion Friday night asking U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner in Los Angeles […]




sports and games

Emmert: Unlikely all schools will start seasons at same time


NCAA President Mark Emmert says the coronavirus is making it unlikely all schools will be ready to begin competing in college sports at the same time. The goal, he said Friday night, is for every team to have an equal amount of preparation time before its season starts, and there could be some competitive inequities […]




sports and games

Kyle Larson returns to racing in World of Outlaws event


The resurrection of Kyle Larson’s career began with a 25-hour drive from California to Iowa for a $15,000-to-win World of Outlaws race. Larson hitched a ride with the team that fielded a car for him Friday night at Knoxville Raceway. It’s a total reset for a driver who less than a month ago was the […]




sports and games

AOC’s John Coates: Tokyo could be the greatest Olympics ever


SYDNEY (AP) — Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates has predicted that next year’s coronavirus-delayed Tokyo Games “may ultimately be amongst the great games ever, if not the greatest.” The Sydney-born Coates, who oversees planning for the Tokyo Olympics for the International Olympic Committee, told the AOC’s annual general meeting on Saturday that he would […]




sports and games

Remote control: Tech support staffers star in NFL offseason


MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Like a principal walking through a hushed hallway on the first day of school, Cheryl Nygaard felt the emotional surge of relief and pride last week as the Minnesota Vikings director of information technology peeked in on the video conference sessions set up for this most unusual NFL offseason. “We had all […]




sports and games

Rams still hoping for guests at SoFi Stadium opening party


LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams finally have a date and an opponent for the long-awaited opening of SoFi Stadium, the multibillion-dollar reason for their return to California over four years ago. The Rams still don’t know for sure whether they’ll actually be able to have their big Sunday night against the Dallas […]




sports and games

Lyon men’s and women’s teams test negative for coronavirus


PARIS (AP) — All players in Lyon men’s and women’s teams have tested negative for the coronavirus, club president Jean-Michel Aulas said. The French soccer club’s squads were tested by team doctors at Lyon’s training center. “The men’s and women’s squads were tested on Thursday on site. There were no positive cases,” Aulas told regional […]




sports and games

Senior spotlight: With state javelin title in hand, Tahoma’s Gabriel Shouman has no regrets


The Washington State-bound senior won the Class 4A title with his last throw last year.




sports and games

Hamilton gets empty feeling thinking about F1 without fans


PARIS (AP) — Driving around Formula One tracks without fans cheering at Silverstone and Monza would literally feel “very empty” for world champion Lewis Hamilton. The first 10 races this season have been postponed or canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the iconic Monaco Grand Prix scrapped for the first time in 66 years. F1 […]




sports and games

Falcons’ Allen says idea of practice is ‘nerve-racking’


ATLANTA (AP) — Ricardo Allen didn’t budge when Georgia was one of the first states to open businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. The Atlanta Falcons safety believes it is smart to stay home. He says he worries about the time when teams across the league open for practice. Restaurants, barber shops and other businesses were […]




sports and games

Mixed feelings around hockey about holding NHL draft early


The NFL’s successful virtual draft and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of hockey this season have raised the possibility of an NHL draft held before the Stanley Cup Final. After postponing its draft scheduled for June 26-27 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL is considering having it earlier in June with the season in […]




sports and games

Harlem figure skating gala pivots from ice to internet


Unable to stage its big fundraiser because of the pandemic, Figure Skating in Harlem is going from the ice to the internet. The Figure Skating in Harlem Champions in Life Virtual Gala will be held May 14 and will feature Olympic champions Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi and Meryl Davis. The 23-year-old group is the only […]




sports and games

Analysis: Tennis pros’ US return amid pandemic no true model


The four players sure seemed thrilled to be playing some tennis with some prize money (amount undisclosed) at stake amid the coronavirus pandemic — even if the court was near the backyard swimming pool at someone’s mansion and there were zero ATP rankings points on the line, zero locker rooms, zero spectators, zero ball kids […]




sports and games

Crash Course: Steelers rookies adapting to “virtual” path


PITTSBURGH (AP) — This isn’t quite the way Anthony McFarland expected his NFL career to begin. Then again, the rookie running back knows he’s not the only one whose first taste of the pros is coming via conference calls with members of the coaching staff followed by self-administered tests in a nearby park to see […]




sports and games

‘I feel so much faster this year’: High-school seniors hoping coronavirus doesn’t take their final shot at glory


The WIAA hasn't canceled the spring postseason, but if schools remain shut down there will be no state tournaments.




sports and games

All-State Basketball: Mount Si’s Jabe Mullins, Cashmere’s Hailey Van Lith named top players by Associated Press


Garfield sweeps the Class 3A state players of the year with Tari Eason and Meghan Fiso.




sports and games

O’Dea’s Paolo Banchero named Gatorade player of the year for Washington


The 6-foot-9, five-star prospect was also the Star Times Boys Basketball Player of the Year.




sports and games

WIAA readjusts, sets May 4 as deadline for spring championships


Even if school returns after May 4, the WIAA may allow some competition.




sports and games

High-school coaches trying to coach from afar and hoping there’s still a season


Coaching in the time of social distancing means plenty of emails and social media.