Snuggerud’s hat trick paces U.S.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Jimmy Snuggerud scored three goals in the first 12 minutes of the game and added an assist as the United States beat Switzerland 11-3 on Thursday at the world junior hockey championship.
Will Smith opened the rout 1:20 into the game off a cross-ice pass from Zeev Buium for a one-timer near the net. Snuggerud got his first just two minutes later and he added another at 8:11 before capping his natural hat trick at 12:36.
The U.S. led 9-1 after two periods. The Americans outshot Switzerland 40-24, with Jacob Fowler making 21 saves for the win.
The U.S. (2-0) will play a Czechia team that is 1-1 and coming off an 8-1 rout of Norway.
In the only other game on Thursday’s slate, Sweden beat Germany 5-0 behind three goals from Otto Stenburg.
Australian Open raises purse
MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian Open tennis officials have announced an increase in prize money by 10 million Australian dollars ($6.8 million) for the upcoming tournament which begins on Jan. 14 at Melbourne Park.
Tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement Friday that the Grand Slam tournament will now offer 86.5 Australian dollars ($58.4 million) in total prize money.
Mariners sign catcher Garver
SEATTLE — Catcher Mitch Garver and the Seattle Mariners finalized a $24 million, two-year contract on Thursday.
The 32-year-old hit .270 with 19 homers and 50 RBIS in 87 games for Texas this year. He hit .226 with three homers and 14 RBIS in 14 postseason games, helping the Rangers win the World Series for the first time.
Reds bring back righty Farmer
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds brought back Buck Farmer on Thursday, signing the reliever to a $2.25 million, one-year contract.
Farmer, a right-hander, became a free agent after he went 4-5 with three saves and a 4.20 ERA in 71 appearances for Cincinnati this year. Cincinnati also designated outfielder Bubba Thompson for assignment. The 25-year-old Thompson is a .242 hitter with a homer and 13 RBIS in 92 big league games — all with Texas.
Rays’ SS Franco is a no-show
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco failed to show up Thursday for a meeting with a prosecutor who is investigating him for an alleged relationship with a minor.
Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías said the investigation will continue regardless of Franco's no-show. She waited for the All-star player and his lawyers at her office, but they didn't appear.
Illinois suspends Shannon Jr.
Illinois suspended basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. on Thursday after he was charged with rape for an alleged incident that happened when the football team played at Kansas in September.
The school suspended Shannon from “all team activities, effective immediately,” a day after the Douglas (Kansas) County District Attorney issued a warrant for his arrest.
Bear signs with Capitals
Ethan Bear is back in the NHL following shoulder surgery after signing a two-year contract with the Washington Capitals. The contract is worth a pro-rated $4.125 million.
Sabres’ center out till Saturday
BUFFALO — Buffalo top-line center Tage Thompson was placed on the team’s non-roster list because of personal reasons on Thursday. He is expected to return for Buffalo’s home game against Columbus on Saturday.