Brianna Decker broke a scoreless tie late in the second period and Nicole Hensley stopped 18 shots, lifting the United States women’s hockey team over Canada, 2-0, on Friday night in the world championship opener for both teams in Plymouth, Mich. The Americans started fast and strong just three days after averting a boycott with a four-year deal with USA Hockey. Gigi Marvin gave the US a two-goal cushion early in the third.
Devils’ all-time scoring leader Elias retires
Patrik Elias, the New Jersey Devils’ all-time leading scorer, announced his retirement in a statement Friday after a 20-year career that included two Stanley Cup titles. Elias, 40, was a free agent after last season and did not play this season after having knee surgery in May. Elias , who played his entire NHL career with the Devils, is the team’s franchise leader in goals (408), assists (617), and points (1,025). The Devils plan to retire his No. 26 next season . . . The Flyers signed center Mike Vecchione, a Saugus native, Malden Catholic graduate, and Union College’s all-time leading scorer, to an entry-level contract.
Vecchione had 29 goals and 34 assists in 38 games for Union and is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player. His 63 points were tied for the most in the country.
NFL
Dolphins release Jordan, sign McDonald
Defensive end Dion Jordan was released by the Dolphins, solidifying his status as a draft bust. Jordan started one game and had three sacks after being taken with the No. 3 overall pick four years ago. Jordan was reinstated by the NFL in July following a 15-month suspension for his latest violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. He spent last season rehabilitating from knee surgery and hasn’t played since 2014. Jordan’s departure coincided with the signing of safety T.J. McDonald, who will miss the first half of the season while serving an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
McDonald spent the past four seasons with the Rams, picking off four passes in 53 games.
NBA
Sixers are shutting down Okafor, Covington
The 76ers are shutting down center Jahlil Okafor so he can get more rest for his sore right knee and fully recover. He’s been dealing with issues since undergoing surgery last year to repair a torn meniscus. He banged his knee March 22 against Oklahoma City. The team also will sit forward Robert Covington for the rest of the season because of right knee soreness and swelling. An MRI on Wednesday revealed Covington has a slight meniscus tear and it’s possible he'll need surgery . . . Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after police say he was spotted speeding in suburban Detroit about 2:50 a.m. Wednesday. Auburn Hills police arrested him after a field sobriety test and took him to the police station, where a breathalyzer test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent. He was cited for operating while intoxicated and released . . . Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic has a non-displaced right leg fibular fracture and will miss the rest of the regular season . . . Lakers rookie center Ivica Zubac will miss the rest of the season because of a high ankle sprain.
He was hurt in the first quarter of a loss to Minnesota on Thursday . . . Pelicans owner Tom Benson said he plans to own and operate a team in the NBA Development League starting in 2018-19.
COLLEGES
Lewis, Coleman will transfer from UMass
A day after new UMass men’s basketball coach Matt McCall’s introductory news conference, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported guard Zach Lewis and forward Zach Coleman are both transferring. Both players are taking advantage of the NCAA’s graduate transfer rule and will be eligible immediately. Lewis played one season for UMass after spending his first two seasons at Canisius. Coleman, who has been hampered by knee and back injuries for much of his career, appeared in just 13 games . . . Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self will be among the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees officially announced Saturday, a source told ESPN.
MISCELLANY
Nadal, Federer advance to finals in Miami
Four-time runner-up Rafael Nadal is back in the finals after beating unseeded Fabio Fognini, 6-1, 7-5, in Key Biscayne. He will face Roger Federer, who won a seesaw semifinal against Nick Kyrgios, 7-6 (11-9), 6-7 (9-11), 7-6 (7-5) . . . Shot put pioneer and star Brian Oldfield has died at 71. He died Sunday in his hometown of Elgin, Ill., USA Track and Field said on its website. Oldfield helped popularize the spin technique in both the shot put and discus. His 75-foot throw in 1975 is still fourth in the world. He was sixth in the shot put in the 1972 Olympics . . . In MLS, Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei preserved a 0-0 home tie with Atlanta United when he dove to stop a 22-yard shot from straight on in the 87th minute . . . The US women’s national socer team called up Sophia Smith, 16, as an injury replacement for exhibition matches against Russia on April 6 and 9 in Texas . . . Kyle Larson got the pole for Sunday's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race when rain washed out qualifying.
Veteran British endurance cyclist Mike Hall, 35, died early Friday after being struck by a car during the Indian Pacific Wheel race from Perth to Sydney, event officials said.
