'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
Freeland says she is 'not going anywhere' after Conservatives call her 'phantom finance minister'
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland declared she is 'not going anywhere' when pushed by the Conservatives on Monday about her future as finance minister.
Mortgage loan rules are changing in Canada
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced changes to mortgage rules she says are aimed at helping more Canadians to purchase their first home.
A passing comet could shine as bright as Venus. Here are the best viewing times
This eye-catching celestial event is around the corner and will appear in the skies this fall.
Body recovered from B.C. lake after unclothed man leads investigators to crash site
Mounties are investigating a fatal crash north of Whistler, B.C., after an unclothed man who was found along the side of the road led police to a pickup truck submerged in a lake with one occupant still inside.
Singh challenged on carbon tax stance as MPs return to Ottawa
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh still won't say whether his party would scrap the federal carbon pricing program if elected, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is increasing his calls for the NDP to vote non-confidence in the Liberals and trigger a 'carbon tax election.'
A pipeline explosion is shooting a towering pillar of flame over a Houston suburb
A massive pipeline fire shooting a towering pillar of flame for hours over suburban Houston on Monday as first responders evacuated a surrounding neighborhood and tried to keep more nearby homes from catching fire.
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
Jane's Addiction cancels tour in the wake of an onstage fight
The alternative rock band Jane's Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
Man suspected in apparent assassination attempt on Trump charged with federal gun crimes
Ryan Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump -- even urging Iran to kill him.
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
-
'Oh, he's still alive': Sask. pharmacy student caught snooping on medical records of 114 people
A fourth-year pharmacy student doing an internship at a Regina drug store was caught snooping on the medical records of 114 people who were not in their care.
-
Former Roughrider Ben Fairbrother dead after motorcycle crash in Edmonton
A former Saskatchewan Roughrider has died in a motorcycle crash in Edmonton.
-
Regina man sentenced to 10 years in connection to 2021 killing that saw victim shot 11 times
A 34-year-old man was given a 10 year prison sentence for his role in the death of a 29-year-old man who was shot 11 times outside an east Regina apartment building in 2021.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba NDP MLA booted from caucus due to business partner acting as Peter Nygard's lawyer
Manitoba’s NDP government has removed Mark Wasyliw, MLA for Fort Garry, from the party’s caucus after the party discovered his business partner is working as Peter Nygard’s criminal defense lawyer.
-
Oppenheimer star David Krumholtz dishes on his time filming in Winnipeg
David Krumholtz, known for roles like Bernard the Elf in The Santa Clause and physicist Isidor Rabi in Oppenheimer, has spent the latter part of his summer filming horror flick Altar in Winnipeg. He says Winnipeg is the most movie-savvy town he's ever been in.
-
Two men suffer serious injuries while riding in box of stolen truck: Winnipeg police
Manitoba's police watchdog is investigating after a stolen truck crashed into a police cruiser in South Osborne, resulting in multiple injuries.
Edmonton
-
Energy minister says public money could help finance Alberta energy cleanup
Alberta's energy minister is promising strong action to clean up the province's growing backlog of unreclaimed oil and gas sites.
-
Names of Lloydminster triple homicide victims released by police
RCMP have confirmed the identities of the victims of a "targeted" triple homicide in Lloydminster, Sask.
-
Edmonton stunt performer wins Emmy for Shōgun
An Edmonton stunt performer is celebrating after winning an Emmy for his role in the show Shōgun.
Calgary
-
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's Calgary memorial removed
After 13 days of Calgarians leaving memorabilia, purple Gatorade and Skittles on the steps of the Saddledome in memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, officials are now beginning work to remove the display.
-
'Unbelievable': Calgary woman wins $1M Lotto 6-49 prize
A Calgary woman is one of Canada’s newest millionaires after winning a prize in a July Lotto 6-49 draw.
-
New Neuron e-scooters coming to Calgary
Calgary e-scooter users will be the first in Canada to get access to Neuron Mobility's new N4 model, which includes a larger dashboard and a phone holder.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge police locate man wanted on outstanding warrants
Lethbridge police have located and arrested a man wanted on a number of outstanding warrants.
-
Coaldale man charged with attempted murder after Lethbridge break-and-enter
Lethbridge police say a 28-year-old man is facing charges of attempted murder following a frightening attack on a woman inside her home this week.
-
Police operation near Vauxhall, Alta., ends: RCMP
A police operation in near Vauxhall, Alta. has ended.
Toronto
-
Jane's Addiction cancels Toronto show, rest of the tour due to frontman's 'continuing pattern of behaviour'
Jane's Addiction has cancelled the rest of its tour, two days before its Toronto concert, following an on-stage scuffle between bandmates.
-
No injuries reported after e-bike catches fire, explodes outside East York supermarket
No injuries were reported after an e-bike caught fire and exploded outside a supermarket in East York on Monday afternoon.
-
Toronto police officer seriously injured responding to person in crisis call
A Toronto police officer was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries while responding to call on Monday afternoon.
Ottawa
-
18-year-old man dead, second person injured following shooting in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood
Ottawa police say Quentin Dorsainvil, of Ottawa, was killed in a shooting Sunday night in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood. He was a young football player with the Kanata Knights, the team's president said.
-
Brockville, Ont. residents enjoying late summer humidity
It is the last week of summer, but it certainly doesn't feel that way in Brockville, Ont. Eastern Ontario is in the grip of a late summer heatwave, with temperatures approach 30 C and high humidex values.
-
Ottawa's new 3-item garbage limit begins in 2 weeks: Here's what you need to know
Starting September 30, all households will be limited to three items of curbside waste every two weeks. Residents with garbage collection this week will be the first households to face the new three-item limit when the new rules take effect.
Montreal
-
Black Lives Ruined: The effects of racial profiling by police
Racial profiling is a systemic problem plaguing Montreal police, according to a judgement by Superior Court Justice Dominique Poulin. But what does that mean in the lives of the victims?
-
FIQ can't ask members to refuse overtime, tribunal rules
The FIQ cannot ask its members to refuse to work overtime starting Thursday because such pressure tactics could jeopardize a service to which the public is entitled, the Administrative Labour Tribunal has ruled.
-
Voters head to the polls for byelections in Montreal and Winnipeg
Canadians in two federal ridings are choosing their next member of Parliament, and political parties are closely watching the results.
Vancouver
-
B.C. machete attacks prompt call for federal action from attorney general
British Columbia’s attorney general is urging the federal government to regulate machetes, citing multiple random and 'devastating' attacks using these types of weapons in the province’s urban centres.
-
B.C. lightkeepers' jobs in jeopardy as coast guard plans to automate 2 stations
Calls are growing for the federal government to pause plans to de-staff two lighthouses on Vancouver Island over fears the move could put mariners and hikers in danger.
-
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
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.
-
Dog mauled to death in B.C. yard after 3 pit bulls jump fence: police
A 12-year-old collie was killed by three pit bulls in the B.C. Interior Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. machete attacks prompt call for federal action from attorney general
British Columbia’s attorney general is urging the federal government to regulate machetes, citing multiple random and 'devastating' attacks using these types of weapons in the province’s urban centres.
-
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING B.C. mayors demand federal funding for involuntary care, bail reforms, port crackdown
A coalition of elected officials from across British Columbia gathered Monday to demand "urgent action" from the federal government on issues of public safety, mental health and drug addictions – including funding for the province's planned expansion of involuntary care.
London
-
Body identified after washing up on Lake Huron shore eight years ago
Provincial police have identified a man whose body was found on a Lake Huron beach eight years ago. The remains of 56-year-old Garnet Nelson of Alberta were found on the shoreline near Port Albert on Oct.15, 2016.
-
91 year old dies after crash between scooter and SUV
Around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, first responders were sent to the intersection of Blake Street East and Gibbons Street after getting a 911 call about a collision.
-
City councillor raises questions after learning police services board spent over 100 grand on PR company to pitch budget
Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow is raising questions after learning the London Police Services Board spent over $100,000 retaining a Public Relations company to pitch their budget to council this year.
Kitchener
-
Cambridge councillor wants to Main St. shutdown year-round to boost local businesses
A Cambridge councillor wants to permanently close a section of Main Street to vehicles. We asked businesses if they were getting behind the proposal.
-
Developer requesting early morning noise exemption during Kitchener construction
The builders of a Kitchener housing development are asking city council for a noise exemption that would allow them to start construction at 6 a.m.
-
'It's a great deal': Ford defends sped-up alcohol sales as fiscal watchdog launches review of $225M deal with The Beer Store
Premier Doug Ford is defending his government's decision to accelerate the rollout of alcohol sales in Ontario convenience stores by a year, a deal that could see taxpayers shelling out up to $225 million to The Beer Store.
Northern Ontario
-
Young family from northern Ontario wins $70 million Lotto Max jackpot
It's been a whirlwind of joyful events for a northern Ontario couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.
-
Parts of Northwestern Ontario under tornado watch
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a tornado watch for parts of northwestern Ontario on Monday, saying the situation is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
-
Man suspected in apparent assassination attempt on Trump charged with federal gun crimes
Ryan Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump -- even urging Iran to kill him.
Atlantic
-
Two arrested in connection with case of missing Halifax teenager: police
Two men have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a Halifax teenager who went missing more than two years ago.
-
Suspicious deaths in Windsor the result of murder-suicide: N.S. RCMP
Police have determined the suspicious deaths of two men in Windsor, N.S., earlier this month were the result of a murder-suicide.
-
Rent cap loophole? Halifax-area landlords defend use of fixed-term leases
Some Halifax-area landlords say fixed-term leases allow property owners to recoup operating costs they otherwise can't under Nova Scotia's rent cap.
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.
