Toronto Mike

Five sporting events to look forward to in Canada

The 2019 NBA Playoffs and Finals

Despite missing out on the Eastern Conference title, the Toronto Raptors 2018-19 season has been a whirlwind success, with the franchise finishing second to secure a spot in the play-offs.

The Raptors lost Game 1 of their first round play-off tie with Orlando Magic, but rebounded in game 2 to win 111-82 over the Floridians and level proceedings at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

Toronto are currently seen as 4th favourites to win the NBA Championship at odds of around 10/1 with Canadian betting sites.

Of course it’s the Golden State Warriors who are 1/2 favourites with William Hill to win the title, with Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets following.

Whatever happens from here on out, play-off basketball in Downtown Toronto will be a must watch this spring.

NHL

The world’s premier professional ice hockey league currently includes seven Canadian teams (the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks) with the Calgary Flames topping this year’s Western Conference Pacific Division.

As well as in Calgary, play-off action will be also take place in Canada this season in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

The Canadian Open (Rogers Cup) Tennis Masters

The Canadian Open - known for sponsorship reasons as the Rogers Cup, or Coupe Rogers - takes place in August every year.

The biggest tennis stars from the ATP and WTA Tours alternate between Toronto and Montreal as they begin their preparation for the US Open, with the first hard court tournament after Wimbledon and the grass court season.

2019’s edition will see the men of the ATP Tour descend on Montreal, while the women of the WTA head to Toronto in a reverse of last year’s tournaments.

Defending Champions Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep are sure to be amongst those in action, as well rising Canadian stars Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Alissiame.

Fight nights at Casino Montreal

Boxing is booming in Canada under the watchful eye of Yvon Michel and his GYM promotions and with women's boxing on the rise worldwide, Michel has his own female superstar making a name for herself between the ropes.

Marie-Eve Dicaire has compiled an unbeaten 15-0 record on her way to becoming the current IBF and NABF Super welterweight champion and all of her fights have come on Canadian soil so far.

Dicaire won her last bout over Sweden's Mikaela Lauren at Montreal Casino on April 13th, and is set to return to the venue for her next fight later this year.

2019/2020 Curling season

The 2018/19 curling season ended in disappointment for Canada's men as they were beaten to Gold by Sweden in the final of the World Championships in Edmonton in early April.

But that will only fuel the appetite for success next season. Curling is always a big part of the Canadian sporting calendar and, before you know it, August will be here, and a new season will be underway.

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