AHL announces five-team Pacific Division
The American Hockey League announced Thursday that it will create a new Pacific Division for the 2015-16 season, comprised of five NHL affiliates that will be based in California.
The AHL Board of Governors approved the moves announced by AHL commissioner David Andrews and the involved NHL franchises.
The Anaheim Ducks will purchase the Norfolk Admirals and relocate them from Norfolk, Va., to San Diego.
The Calgary Flames’ AHL team will relocate from Glens Falls, N.Y., to Stockton.
The AHL team owned by the Edmonton Oilers will move from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Bakersfield.
The Los Angeles Kings’ AHL club will go from Manchester, N.H., to Ontario.
The AHL squad owned by the San Jose Sharks will move from Worcester, Mass., to San Jose.
Patriots’ Brady hopes Peyton decides to play another year
PHOENIX — New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hopes his counterpart with the Denver Broncos, future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, returns for another NFL season.
Manning has been non-committal about his future plans following a crushing playoff loss to his former team the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago but Brady on Thursday was clear about what he hopes the 38-year-old record-setting quarterback decides.
“I certainly hope he comes back because the league will miss him if he doesn’t,” said Brady, whose Patriots will play the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
“Those decisions are up to him. I’m sure it’s up to him whether he’s mentally and physically, if that’s what he wants to do. I certainly hope he’s back.”
NFL player gets probation in domestic violence case
PHOENIX — Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer pleaded guilty on Thursday to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 18 months’ probation under a deal with prosecutors following accusations he assaulted his wife on two occasions, a court spokesman said.
Dwyer, 25, was arrested last September over allegations he broke his wife’s nose during a July altercation that police said began when he tried to kiss and undress her against her wishes. She bit his lip to free herself.
Dwyer was also accused of punching her in the face the following day and throwing a shoe at their 18-month-old child at the couple’s Phoenix apartment, court documents show. He was not charged with any offenses involving the child.
Dwyer, who court spokesman Vincent Funari said was also sentenced to community service on the misdemeanor charge, made his plea during a brief hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court. He had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, including for felony assault.
Heat’s Wade out at least 2-3 weeks
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade is expected to miss several weeks with a right hamstring injury.
Wade, who already has missed nine games with hamstring injuries this season, suffered the new setback Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He told reporters he would be out at least two to three weeks.
“This is more in the belly of the hamstring so this is a little tougher one,” Wade said.
In 35 games this season, Wade has averaged 21.4 points and 5.4 assists.
Werth to serve five days in jail for reckless driving
Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth pleaded guilty on Thursday to a reckless driving charge in Fairfax County, Virginia, and will serve five days in jail.
The 35-year-old former All-Star Werth admitted to driving his Porsche 911 more than 100 mph on the Capital Beltway in Virginia last July in a stretch where the posted limit is 55 mph.
Werth will serve his sentence on weekends so he can continue rehabilitation during the week for the arthroscopic shoulder surgery he had earlier this month.
A 12-year major league veteran and an All-Star in 2009 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Werth hit .292 with 16 home runs and 82 runs batted in for the Nationals in 2014.