Classes offered for officiating girls lacrosse
BRUNSWICK, Maine — The Maine Women’s Lacrosse Officials’ Association is offering new official classes for adults who want to officiate girls’ lacrosse this spring. All prospective officials are required to attend a series of classes that are taught by U.S. Lacrosse-certified trainers.
Classes will be held in four different locations for four or two consecutive weeks depending on the class location. New officials must attend a minimum of three classes to qualify for the 2016 season.
The cost of the course for new officials is $55 and is nonrefundable. This covers the cost of class materials and a 2016 US Lacrosse Rule Book. This also covers 2016 MWLOA dues.
Classes will be held at Thornton Academy on March 7, 14, 21 and 28 (6-8 p.m.), Falmouth High School on March 3, 10, 17, 24 (6-8 p.m.), Thomas College in Waterville on March 28 and April 4 (6-8 p.m.) and Husson College in Bangor on March 24 and 31 (5-8 p.m.). The final two hours for Husson and Thomas recruits will correspond with on-field training at the Maine Lax Challenge play day on April 8 at Thomas College.
For more information and to register, go to www.mainewloa.com, email Barbara Snapp, trainee coordinator at mwloatraining4umps@gmail.com, or call Barbara Snapp at 721-0708.
Texans release RB Foster
Running back Arian Foster’s prolific career with the Houston Texans came to an end on Thursday.
The Texans released Foster, the franchise’s career rushing leader with 6,472 career yards and 54 touchdowns. He has missed 23 games because of injuries the past three seasons.
Foster rushed for 163 yards and one touchdown in four games last season.
“There are not many players I respect more than Arian Foster,” Texans executive vice president of football operations and general manager Rick Smith said.
Houston also released tight end Garrett Graham and safety Rahim Moore, giving the Texans approximately $40 million in salary cap space.
Ravens don’t pick up LB Smith’s option
The Baltimore Ravens released linebacker Daryl Smith and decided not to pick up a $2 million contract option for defensive end Chris Canty.
Smith spent the past three years with the Ravens, starting all 48 regular-season games. The 12-year NFL veteran led the team and ranked 10th in the league with 121 tackles in 2015.
The 33-year-old Canty also joined the Ravens in 2013 and had 83 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles in 35 games the past three years. Last season, he totaled 20 tackles, one sack and one passed defensed in nine games.
World Cup of Hockey set for 2020
The World Cup of Hockey will return in 2020 and Edmonton is interested in being the host.
The Canadian city immediately put its name up for consideration as host of the eight-team tournament after NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed on Wednesday that the 2020 event was a go.
The Oilers are in the process of creating “The Ice District,” which includes a new arena named Rogers Place. The project is slated to be finished in 2019.
Two Devils fined for embellishment
Two current members of the New Jersey Devils were fined for violating the diving/embellishment rule, the NHL announced Thursday.
Devils forwards Joseph Blandisi and Devante Smith-Pelly were each fined $2,000. Smith-Pelly’s offenses came with the Montreal Canadiens.
Blandisi was issued a warning from a Feb. 16 incident against the Philadelphia Flyers and was cited against on Feb. 23 against the New York Rangers, which triggered the fine.
Smith-Pelly was issued a warning for an incident against the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 22. A second incident on Feb. 24 against the Washington Capitals led to the fine.