A big night of harness racing ahead Friday night at Red Shores in Charlottetown. Not only is there the James Roach MacGregor Consolation for those that didn’t qualify for the Gold Cup and Saucer final, but there’s also the fifth and final leg of the World Driving Championship. Canada is being represdented by islander James MacDonald, and he comes into tonight atop the standings. MacDonald’s 192 points give him a comfortable 26-point lead over Finland’s Mikka Forss. The top point-earner at the end of the five legs will be declared the 2017 World Driving Champion and win $25,000 in prize money.
Novice hockey will have a new look in PEI this coming season. Hockey PEI has decided to start to introduce a modified half-ice hockey program for Novice beginning this season. Hockey PEI says the change will help with the development of young players by getting them more involved with the game through increased puck touches, shots, completed passes and transitions.
From the beginning of the minor hockey season to November 15th, Novice teams will focus solely on skill development through their team practices. Between November 15th and January 15th, Novice teams will only be allowed to play half-ice games. After January 15th teams will be allowed to play full-ice games.
The Blue Jays wrapped up their latest homestand with another victory. Toronto got past the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 thanks to a two-run homer in the eighth from Justin Smoak. The Jays head to Chicago Friday to start a three-game set with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Yankees beat the mets 7-5, while the Red Sox were off.
The P.E.I. Junior Islanders beat Nova Scotia 22-4 at the Canadian under-21 baseball championship in Gatineau, Que. The Junior Islanders play Ontario Two Friday at 9:30 a.m.
At the Canadian under-18 mens fastpitch championship in O’Leary, PEI earned a 12-2 victory over New Brunswick and are now 1-3. PEI plays Manitoba and Newfoundland Friday.