Babcock to again coach Canada

Hockey: Mike Babcock will return as coach of Canada’s Olympic team.

The Detroit Red Wings coach will have the St. Louis Blues’ Ken Hitchcock, Dallas Stars’ Lindy Ruff and Boston Bruins’ Claude Julien as assistants at next year’s Sochi Games, Hockey Canada announced Monday.

Babcock coached the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup in 2008 and also led Canada to gold at the world championships in 2004.

He was behind the bench as Canada defeated the United States in overtime to win the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.

He is a former coach of the Spokane Chiefs, having coached the team for six seasons beginning in 1994.

Associated Press

Shock playoff tix on sale today

Football: Tickets for the Spokane Shock’s first home playoff game in three seasons go on sale at 7 a.m. today through all TicketsWest outlets, by calling 800-325 SEAT or by visiting TicketsWest.com.

Spokane will take on the Central Division-winner Chicago Rush. Due to Arena availability, this first-round game will be played on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Spokane Arena.

Shock season ticket holders will receive information via email from TicketsWest with instructions on how to keep their same seats for the playoffs, as they are held and not available for the general public.

Spokane will host a home playoff game for the first time since the 2010 season, when the Shock captured their first AFL Championship in ArenaBowl XXIII against the Tampa Bay Storm.

Boise, Fresno picked in MWC

College football: Boise State and Fresno State are projected to finish on top of the two new divisions of the Mountain West Conference this season.

The Broncos are picked to finish first in the Mountain Division, while the Bulldogs are the favorites in the West Division. The two division winners will meet in the inaugural Mountain West championship game, set for Dec. 7.

Associated Press