TORONTO — The Hockey Hall of Fame opened its doors to women for the first time Monday.
Angela James of Canada and Cammi Granato of the United States received their Hall of Fame rings. They were inducted with former NHL star Dino Ciccarelli, builder Jim Devellano and the late Daryl “Doc” Seaman, one of the founders of the Calgary Flames.
The Hall of Fame established separate induction criteria for women this year, paving the way for James and Granato.
“I think it’s a historic night and I think it’s great for hockey at all levels,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.
• Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller returned to practice after spending the weekend resting a sore leg muscle, and has an outside shot of playing Thursday against the New York Rangers.
• The Los Angeles Kings will be without defenseman Willie Mitchell (wrist) and left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (finger) for at least a month.
• The Philadelphia Flyers and forward Claude Giroux agreed to a multiyear contract extension.
U.S. women avoid elimination
CANCUN, Mexico — Lauren Cheney scored in the 17th minute, Abby Wambach got goals in the 33rd and 50th, and the U.S. remained in contention for the Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Next up is a home-and-home, total-goals playoff against Italy on Nov. 20 and 27 for the final berth in the tournament.
Robinson nearing Morgan’s mark
MILWAUKEE — Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson (concussion), who is 146 yards away from breaking Air Force’s Beau Morgan‘s record for rushing yards by a QB, is expected to play Saturday against Purdue. Morgan rushed for 1,494 yards in 1996.
• Wisconsin running back John Clay (knee) is questionable for Saturday’s game against Indiana.
• Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt said he hopes to play in a bowl game despite undergoing surgery for a broken right forearm Monday.
• Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder (arm) is questionable for Saturday’s game against Clemson.
Footnotes.
The NCAA denied Iowa State forward Royce White a waiver to play this season after he transferred from Minnesota.
• Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson is day to day because of a sprained left ankle.
• Four-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson had a major shakeup to his race team when Hendrick Motorsports gave him teammate Jeff Gordon‘s pit crew for the final two races of the season.
• Tour de France winner Alberto Contador will be investigated for doping during this year’s race.
• Former top 25 player Taylor Dent is retiring from pro tennis.
• Five-time Olympic speedskating champion Claudia Pechstein said in her autobiography that she and her husband, Marcus Buck- litsch, thought about jumping off a highway bridge in March 2009, shortly after she was banned two years for irregular blood readings.
The Associated Press
