'Historic moment': Sask. coach for Team Germany returns from Olympics
Connor Jay is back on home court, returning from coaching on the world stage.
Jay was the assistant coach for Germany's 5x5 women's basketball team at the Paris Olympics.
"This was the first time that the German women's basketball team had ever qualified for the Olympics, so a really historic moment," Jay told CTV News at Merlis Belsher Place.
It all started in February when head coach Lisa Thomaidis asked Jay if he would join Team Germany's coaching staff at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Brazil.
"I jumped at the opportunity," Jay said.
He and Thomaidis have worked together for more than a decade with Saskatchewan Huskies Basketball.
"She trusted what I was able to do in video scouting and performance analytics," Jay said.
Heading into the Summer Games, Germany's women's basketball team was ranked 19th.
The team, viewed as an underdog, ended in the 8th position — eliminated by France.
"We beat Belgium, who was a top team. We beat Japan, who was a top team and we competed well against the USA and France. The France game was the quarterfinal, so we ended up in a top-eight position, and that was beyond a lot of expectations," Jay said.
While Jay was all-in for Team Germany, off the court, he cheered for Canada.
"When it wasn't 5x5 basketball related, I was pretty partial to Canada because that's home. I've been a German fan for about eight months now," the coach said.
Jay said a highlight of his Olympic experience was watching hometown hurdler Michelle Harrison make her Olympic debut. Harrison and Jay attended Evan Hardy Collegiate together.
"Seeing her and that Saskatoon connection was super special," Jay said.
Paris was a monumental trip for Jay, who thought he'd only ever attend the Olympics as a fan.
Jay said he's excited to see where the team — he now cheers for — goes from here.
"Heading into LA 2028, I think what Germany is able to do over these next four years is going to be something that basketball fans really need to keep an eye on," Jay said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal government to further limit number of international students
The federal government will be further limiting the number of international students permitted to enter Canada next year. It’s the government’s latest immigration-related measure to address Canadians' ongoing housing and affordability concerns.
BREAKING
BREAKING Bloc MPs will vote confidence in Liberal government next week: Blanchet
The Conservatives' first shot at toppling the Liberal government is doomed to fail, after Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet told reporters his MPs will vote confidence in the government.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Exploding electronic devices kill 9, wound hundreds in Lebanon
Lebanon’s health ministry said Wednesday that at least nine people were killed and 300 wounded by exploding electronic devices in multiple regions of the country. The explosions came a day after an apparent Israeli attack targeting pagers used by Hezbollah killed at least 12 and wounded nearly 3,000. Here are the latest updates.
What to know about the deadly electronic explosions targeting Hezbollah
Just one day after pagers used by hundreds of members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded, more electronic devices detonated in Lebanon Wednesday in what appeared to be a second wave of sophisticated, deadly attacks that targeted an extraordinary number of people. Here's what we know so far.
Canada abstains from UN motion calling on Israel to end occupation of Gaza, West Bank
Canada abstained today from a high-profile United Nations vote demanding that Israel end its 'unlawful presence' in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank within a year.
Record-breaking Lotto Max jackpot tickets sold in Ontario, Quebec
Two lucky people in Ontario and Quebec will split Tuesday’s record-breaking $80-million Lotto Max jackpot.
Rogers Communications to buy out Bell's share of MLSE for $4.7 billion
Rogers Communications Inc. is buying out Bell's 37.5 per cent share of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for $4.7 billion, giving it 75 per cent ownership of the sports conglomerate.
'I'm here for the Porsche': Video shows brazen car theft in Mississauga
Video of a brazen daylight auto theft which shows a suspect running over a victim in a stolen luxury SUV has been released by police west of Toronto.
'Unsightly' under-construction home must be finished or demolished, B.C. court rules
A B.C couple has been ordered to stop living in a motorhome on the property where their under-construction home – which they were first given a permit to build more than six years ago – has become an “eyesore,” according to a recent court decision.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
Sask. won't take asylum seekers if Ottawa attempts to relocate them
The Government of Saskatchewan has said it will not accept asylum seekers under a recent federal proposal to relocate them across Canada.
-
Saskatchewan high school students will now need 'Financial Literacy 10' to graduate
A new financial literacy course is now a requirement to graduate high school in Saskatchewan.
-
'Ready to help this team win': Armstead joins Riders after being released by Redblacks
On Monday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced they added American running back, Ryquell Armstead to their active roster.
Winnipeg
-
How much rain fell in southern Manitoba over the past few days
Southern Manitoba was hit with torrential downpours, overland flooding and thunderstorms at the start of the week, with some communities receiving upwards of 200 millimetres (mm) of rain.
-
$300K worth of stolen vehicles seized from Winnipeg compound: police
More than $300,000 worth of stolen vehicles were seized from a Winnipeg compound earlier this month, police announced Wednesday.
-
Kinew denies claims of toxic, dysfunctioncal government made by ousted MLA
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said an MLA ousted from his caucus this week was given a choice before he was shown the door.
Edmonton
-
Fire consumes multi-unit building, several townhomes in Desrochers
Flames tore through a residential development, including both homes that were occupied and under construction, in southwest Edmonton early Wednesday morning.
-
Stolen boat crashes into back of parked semi: EPS
The Edmonton Police Services is investigating a hit-and-run collision involving a U-Haul pulling a stolen boat that happened last week.
-
Police searching for victim who bought stolen BMW in northern Alberta
Grande Prairie RCMP wants to remind the public about the risks of fraud when buying or selling items online after a black 1997 BMW Z3 that was reported stolen was sold online in Grande Prairie last month.
Calgary
-
Winding down of Green Line LRT project 'unfortunate': transportation minister
Alberta's transportation minister says the City of Calgary's decision to wind down the Green Line LRT project is "unfortunate."
-
Have you seen Goliath? 28-year-old donkey goes missing south of Calgary
An ancient 28-year-old chocolate donkey named Goliath is missing from its longtime home at a veterinary hospital south of Calgary.
-
Matthew Tkachuk opens up about the death of his friend Johnny Gaudreau
Matthew Tkachuk estimated that he tells a story about Johnny Gaudreau's exploits, both the on-ice and off-ice variety, to somebody at least once a week.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge sees spike in encampments, and in support referrals
The City of Lethbridge's encampment response team continues to see a rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness throughout the summer months.
-
2 Lethbridge youths arrested after fire at southeast business
Two 16-year-old boys have been charged with arson following a fire at a Lethbridge building earlier this month.
-
Lethbridge residents used 16 per cent less water this summer than last
The City of Lethbridge says water usage this summer was lower than expected.
Toronto
-
Two people dead after shooting at park north of Toronto: YRP
Two people are dead following an early-morning shooting at a park in a quiet neighbourhood in Keswick, York Regional Police say. Police confirmed just before 11 a.m. that they were investigating a double homicide at Bayview Park. YRP said they responded to the sounds of gunshots at the park just before 7:30 a.m.
-
Rogers Communications to buy out Bell's share of MLSE for $4.7 billion
Rogers Communications Inc. is buying out Bell's 37.5 per cent share of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for $4.7 billion, giving it 75 per cent ownership of the sports conglomerate.
-
'I'm here for the Porsche': Video shows brazen car theft in Mississauga
Video of a brazen daylight auto theft which shows a suspect running over a victim in a stolen luxury SUV has been released by police west of Toronto.
Ottawa
-
Forensic identification officer testifies at Ayoub trial
Photographs of eyeglasses with an apparent broken arm, a purse with a "severed" strap and a reusable bag filled with groceries at the bottom of a staircase were among those shown to the jury at the first-degree murder trial of Hamid Ayoub Wednesday morning.
-
Ottawa's mayor says 'no formal, written offer' from feds for Wellington Street
Negotiations on the future of Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill appear to have stalled, more than a year after the federal government and the City of Ottawa began talks on the street.
-
10-minute headways on off-peak LRT service will be maintained as OC Transpo studies fall ridership
Ottawa City Council has voted to maintain O-Train Line 1 service at current levels to give OC Transpo additional time to study ridership patterns this fall.
Montreal
-
Black Lives Ruined: Black men asked to sign NDAs to settle racial profiling cases
Black men who are the victims of racial profiling and harassment by police forces in Quebec say they are being asked to sign non-disclosure agreements in order to receive their settlement cheques.
-
Federal minister Pablo Rodriguez to run for Quebec Liberal leadership
The federal Liberals' political lieutenant for Quebec, Pablo Rodriguez, will run for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ). He is scheduled to make the announcement Thursday in Gatineau.
-
Quebec police investigating suspicious death of boy, 5, near Montreal
Quebec provincial police are investigating the death of a five-year-old boy found in a home about 55 kilometres southwest of Montreal.
Vancouver
-
B.C.'s planned expansion of involuntary care 'unacceptable,' says civil liberties group
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has called on B.C. Premier David Eby to abandon the province's planned expansion of involuntary care for people suffering from a combination of drug addiction, brain injuries and mental health issues.
-
TransLink converts West Coast Express commuter train to renewable diesel
TransLink says it is one step closer to meeting its net-zero emissions targets after converting its West Coast Express commuter trains between Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to renewable diesel fuel.
-
'Unsightly' under-construction home must be finished or demolished, B.C. court rules
A B.C couple has been ordered to stop living in a motorhome on the property where their under-construction home – which they were first given a permit to build more than six years ago – has become an “eyesore,” according to a recent court decision.
Kelowna
-
Pregnant pit bull with 10 puppies rescued from rat-infested B.C. home
Animal protection officers in British Columbia have rescued three pit bulls – including one that gave birth to 10 puppies – from a rat-infested home in Kelowna.
-
Son charged with B.C. woman's murder: RCMP
More than a year after a missing Kamloops, B.C., woman’s body was found, her son has been arrested and charged with her murder, Mounties announced Friday.
-
Woman stabbed during daylight Kelowna home invasion: RCMP
A woman suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during a home invasion in Kelowna, according to authorities.
Vancouver Island
-
TransLink converts West Coast Express commuter train to renewable diesel
TransLink says it is one step closer to meeting its net-zero emissions targets after converting its West Coast Express commuter trains between Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to renewable diesel fuel.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Bloc MPs will vote confidence in Liberal government next week: Blanchet
The Conservatives' first shot at toppling the Liberal government is doomed to fail, after Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet told reporters his MPs will vote confidence in the government.
-
'Unsightly' under-construction home must be finished or demolished, B.C. court rules
A B.C couple has been ordered to stop living in a motorhome on the property where their under-construction home – which they were first given a permit to build more than six years ago – has become an “eyesore,” according to a recent court decision.
London
-
$10-million lawsuit filed against Fanshawe College
Fanshawe College is being sued over supposed deficiencies in its paralegal program. A proposed class action seeks $10 million in damages on behalf of hundreds of students enrolled in the college's paralegal program since 2020.
-
Description released of suspect wanted in relation to arson
London police have released a description of a suspect wanted in relation to an $800,000 arson investigation. Fire crews were called to an abandoned residence at the corner of Dundas Street and Hewitt Street earlier this month.
-
The City of London is calling and wants to know what you think
If your phone rings with a number you don't recognize, it could be the City of London calling. This year's resident satisfaction survey is taking place until Oct. 6.
Kitchener
-
Federal government to further limit number of international students
The federal government will be further limiting the number of international students permitted to enter Canada next year. It’s the government’s latest immigration-related measure to address Canadians' ongoing housing and affordability concerns.
-
City of Guelph proposes bylaw to protect renters
City council approved an 'evictions survey' during Tuesday night’s meeting to get a better snapshot of the impacts of evictions occurring within Guelph.
-
Cyclist dies following collision with pickup truck
Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police responded to a serious motor vehicle collision on Wellington Road 18, just west of Salem.
Northern Ontario
-
One person dead following North Bay industrial incident
North Bay Police Service says one person has died following an industrial accident at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Rail Yard on Tuesday.
-
Sudbury pet rescue frustrated by latest break-in at thrift store
Security video shows a man breaking into a thrift store operated by a Sudbury animal rescue and stealing items from a jewelry case Tuesday morning.
-
Criminal charges stayed against Ministry of Labour, five others, in 2006 Sudbury mining death
In court Wednesday, the director of Ontario's Complex Prosecutions Bureau said he was staying criminal charges against the Ministry of Labour and five others in connection with a mining fatality in 2006.
Atlantic
-
Transport Canada orders plan to remove huge tidal power moorings left near N.S. town
Transport Canada has ordered a bankrupt tidal power company and a bankruptcy trustee to produce a plan to remove four huge moorings abandoned in the water near Walton, N.S.
-
N.S. RCMP seize firearms, crossbow, magic mushrooms from South Shore homes
A Woods Harbour, N.S., man is facing dozens of charges after police seized weapons and drugs from South Shore homes last Friday.
-
Maritimes saw hottest temperatures in Canada on Tuesday
A streak of sunny and hot mid-September weather set new high temperatures records in the Maritimes.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador monitoring rise in whooping cough cases: medical officer
Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer is monitoring the rise of whooping cough infections across the province as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to grow across Canada.
-
Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North
A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
-
Cow cuddling: Why a Newfoundland farm is offering quality time with these 'gentle creatures'
Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
