From the Diamond League opener to mixed doubles curling and NHL playoffs, here’s what to watch this weekend in Canadian sports.
Weekend Sports Preview: Diamond League, Playoffs & More!
Looking for the best sports events this weekend? Whether you’re a track and field enthusiast, a curling fan, or cheering on Canadian hockey teams in the playoffs, this weekend is packed with exciting action. Here’s a roundup of the top sports events to watch across Canada and beyond.
Track and Field: Diamond League Kicks Off
The Diamond League season is back, starting this Saturday in Xiamen, China, where world-class athletes compete for points and prize money. Canadian shot putter Sarah Mitton, last year’s Diamond League champion, is set to compete, alongside international stars like Chase Jackson and Gong Lijiao. Fans can catch the action live on CBC Gem and CBCSports.ca from 7-9 a.m. ET. This series is crucial for athletes aiming for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Also featured are pole vaulting sensation Mondo Duplantis and Faith Kipyegon, the Kenyan middle-distance legend preparing for a four-minute mile attempt this summer.
On Sunday, long-distance legend Eliud Kipchoge returns to the London Marathon, vying for his fifth title after a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics.
Curling: Canada’s Shot at Mixed Doubles Glory
In the world of mixed doubles curling, Canada is aiming for its first-ever world championship title. Despite being a global curling powerhouse, Canada has yet to secure a mixed doubles win since the event’s inception in 2008. However, Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, who clinched the Canadian championship earlier this year, are back in action, ready to represent their country in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Will this be the year that Canada finally captures the elusive mixed doubles title?
NHL Playoffs: The Battle Intensifies
The NHL playoffs are heating up, with the Toronto Maple Leafs aiming to complete a sweep of the Ottawa Senators in their Game 4 matchup on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The Winnipeg Jets look to bounce back after a tough 7-2 loss to St. Louis, while the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers both find themselves down 2-0 in their respective series. These matchups are critical, and with a lot at stake, expect fierce competition and dramatic moments.
Game 4 for Montreal and Edmonton will take place on Sunday, with both teams needing to win on home ice to stay alive in their series.
NBA Playoffs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are dominating their first-round series against Memphis, leading 3-0 after a thrilling comeback victory. Can they complete the sweep on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET? Meanwhile, Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets are looking to regroup after a tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Also, Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets is making an impact, and with Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin leading the Indiana Pacers, the Canadian contingent is poised for playoff glory.
NFL Draft: Canadians Await Their Call
The NFL Draft continues to make headlines as Canadians anxiously wait for their names to be called. Elic Ayomanor from Stanford is one of the top Canadian prospects, and many expect him to be selected in the third round. Canadian quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Taylor Elgersma are also hoping for a call on Saturday, with Elgersma aiming to become the first quarterback drafted from Canadian university football in decades.
Tennis: The Madrid Open and Canada’s Hopes
The Madrid Open continues with early-round action, and Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are both eyeing strong performances. Bianca Andreescu is also in action, facing tough competition in the second round. Meanwhile, in the women’s doubles, Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe will begin their quest for a second clay title after their recent victory in Stuttgart.
Golf: The Chevron Championship and Zurich Classic
The Chevron Championship is in full swing, with Brooke Henderson aiming to make a push up the leaderboard. Meanwhile, in the men’s golf, Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor are tied for fifth in the Zurich Classic team event in New Orleans, showing promising signs of contention.
Sailing: Lewin-LaFrance Sisters in Medal Hunt
Canadian Olympic sailors Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance are in third place at the Grand Slam event in France, heading into Saturday’s 49erFX medal race. With strong performances in recent races, they’re looking to capture a podium spot.
Women’s Hockey: PWHL Returns
The PWHL resumes its regular season action after a brief break. Montreal leads the charge as they take on Ottawa on Saturday. The league’s top teams are in action, with exciting matchups including Toronto vs. Boston and New York vs. Minnesota.
Women’s Soccer: Northern Super League Heats Up
The Northern Super League returns to action, with Halifax hosting Calgary on Saturday and Ottawa welcoming Toronto on Sunday. The competition continues to build momentum as the league’s teams battle it out for supremacy.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire as we bring you live coverage, analysis, and in-depth reports on all the major sports events this weekend. From the thrilling NBA playoffs to the world-class action in track and field, we’ll keep you updated on every game, race, and match that matters.
