briefs

The NHL season opened in England Saturday night. According to an Associated Press story,… The NHL season opened in England Saturday night. According to an Associated Press story, the Anaheim Ducks, the defending Stanley Cup champions, defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-1.

The game was played on the banks of the River Thames in London. It was the first time the NHL has started its season in Europe and the fourth time outside of North America.

According to ESPN.com, Germany captured its second consecutive Women’s World Cup on Sunday, besting Brazil 2-0. The U.S. team won the consolation game 4-1 over Norway, to earn third-place.

Hope Solo was not in attendance for the team’s third-place game. U.S. coach Greg Ryan suspended Solo for the match, after the goalie made detrimental comments in an interview following the U.S.’s semifinal loss to Brazil, a game in which Solo was benched.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded guard David Wesley and cash to New Orleans Saturday for Cedric Simmons, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, according to an Associated Press story.

The trade was strictly a business decision according to Hornets general manager Jeff Bower, who said the move was made to create salary cap space. The Hornets said they plan to waive Wesley once Simmons passes a physical and the trade is finalized.

Brett Favre threw his 421st touchdown pass Sunday, pushing him past Dan Marino on the all-time list according to ESPN.com.

The record-setter came when Favre hit Greg Jennings for a 16-yard touchdown in the first quarter of the Packers’ game against the Minnesota Vikings.