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Gemma Karstens-Smith

@gks.bsky.social
1.1K followers 142 following 342 posts

Vancouver-based sports reporter for The Canadian Press. Tired mom of two. She/her. Tell me a story: gks@cp.org

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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Reupping this story I wrote on Paul Cotter at Canucks training camp for absolutely no reason. #Canucks #NHL www.thestar.com/sports/hocke...
thestar.com
Newcomer Paul Cotter looking to balance skill, physicality with Vancouver Canucks
PENTICTON - Paul Cotter believes the Vancouver Canucks are on to something special.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Thomas Muller isn’t ready to retire. I talked to Vancouver Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster about signing the German legend to an extension. #mls #vwfc www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/germa...
thecanadianpressnews.ca
German great Muller isn't ready to retire, signs extension with Vancouver Whitecaps
VANCOUVER - Thomas Muller is not ready to retire.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Thomas Muller says he’s weighing a lot of different factors as he ponders his playing future, including how his body feels. #mls #vwfc www.tsn.ca/soccer/artic...
tsn.ca
Whitecaps star Muller offers ‘no concrete answers’ on playing future
Thomas Muller says he hasn’t decided whether he’ll continue his playing career after the current Major League Soccer season comes to an end.
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Patrick Johnston 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 @risingaction.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Not often you can call a draw epic but Canada and England just did so with a titanic 26-26 finish. England women unbeaten in 40 matches now, but Canada did what no one else has done — not lost to England. An all-time test. Daleaka Menin picked as player of the match and for good reason.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
As the Vancouver Canucks begin their rebuild, the team’s young stars are learning big lessons. #Canucks #NHL ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/young-p...
ca.sports.yahoo.com
Young players picking up lessons with rebuilding Vancouver Canucks
PENTICTON — Braeden Cootes is getting used to living out of a suitcase.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
From bag skates to broken glass, the Vancouver Canucks have officially kicked off the Manny Malhotra with training camp. #canucks #nhl www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/new-h...
thecanadianpressnews.ca
New head coach Manny Malhotra brings intensity to Vancouver Canucks training camp
PENTICTON - Manny Malhotra has been waiting for this moment a long time.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
With training camp set to open on Thursday, some of the longest tenured Vancouver Canucks are embracing new roles as team veterans. ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/were-ch... #Canucks #NHL
ca.sports.yahoo.com
'We're in a new chapter now': Veteran Vancouver Canucks embracing team's rebuild
SURREY — Brock Boeser didn't expect to be embarking on a rebuild in his 10th NHL season.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Former defensive back Ryan Phillips joins the B.C. Lions’ wall of fame tomorrow. It’s an honour he doesn’t take lightly. #BCLions #CFL www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/...
tsn.ca
'This is everything': Former Lions defensive back Phillips cherishes wall of fame nod
The former defensive back was stunned to learn his name would soon be enshrined alongside players he holds in high regard, from legendary kicker Lui Passaglia and CFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dave Dic...
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This is insane. I … I don’t have words.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#Canucks winger Brock Boeser believes his friend and teammate Elias Pettersson is in “a way better headspace” going into a new #NHL season. www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/...
tsn.ca
‘A fresh start’: Boeser sees an inspired Pettersson ahead of Canucks’ camp
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser is convinced Elias Pettersson is doing all he can to rediscover a breathtaking on-ice mojo that earned him the biggest contract in franchise history.
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Mark Lazerus @marklazerus.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Oilers GM Stan Bowman was asked during the Mike Babcock press conference in June if the team cares about public perception in light of some of their hirings and signings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Casey Stoney believes she hasn’t seen the best of her Canadian women’s team — but she expects that to change soon. More on a crucial fall for the head coach and entire #CANWNT : www.tsn.ca/soccer/artic...
tsn.ca
Canada’s women’s soccer team looking to build in return to home soil
Casey Stoney hasn’t yet seen the best possible version of her Canadian women’s soccer team.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Arsenal’s Olivia Smith has always had big dreams. Now the 22-year-old Canadian striker is on the cusp of making some of those ambitions a reality. #CANWNT www.thestar.com/sports/socce...
thestar.com
Canadian striker Olivia Smith continues making history with WSL’s Arsenal
VANCOUVER - Olivia Smith has always had big dreams.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I had got a chance to chat with @pwhlgoldeneyes.bsky.social forward Jenn Gardiner about Olympics, hiking, mentoring the next generation and more. Take a read: www.tsn.ca/pwhl/article... #PWHL
tsn.ca
Goldeneyes forward Gardiner growing after wild year
Jenn Gardiner still can’t quite believe she’s an Olympian. The Vancouver Goldeneyes forward often finds herself scrolling through photos from her time in Italy, a reminder that she was really there, f...
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Sandy Brondello just invited me to come play for the Toronto Tempo. So my life has been made.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
@pwhlgoldeneyes.bsky.social goalie Kristen Campbell attributes her work ethic to her mom, Janet. For more than 25 years, Janet has battled Multiple Sclerosis. www.tsn.ca/pwhl/article... #PWHL
tsn.ca
Mom’s MS journey an inspiration for Vancouver Goldeneyes G Campbell
As Kristen Campbell battled on the ice, Janet waged her own fight against multiple sclerosis. She was diagnosed with the neurological disease in 1999 when her daughter was about two years old.
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HAR JOURNALIST @harjournalist.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The new turf at BC Place. #VWFC #MLS
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Jonathan Tannenwald @jtannenwald.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Concacaf drops a hammer on Gianni Infantino: "This recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour. A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative." www.concacaf.com/news/concaca...
concacaf.com
Concacaf and its 41 Member Associations welcome the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise  | Concacaf
Concacaf Statement
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John "Chud" Chidley-Hill @jchidleyhill.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
I'll say it over and over again: there are more than 500,000 student athletes across all NCAA sports. There are fewer than 10 that publicly identify as trans. That's 0.002% of NCAA athletes. It's culture war nonsense designed to distract us from real issues
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Manuel Veth @manuelveth.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Despite Nathaniel Brown addition – Bayern rule out Alphonso Davies transfer #CanMNT Details for @transfermarkt.de www.transfermarkt.us/despite-nath...
transfermarkt.us
Despite Nathaniel Brown addition – Bayern rule out Alphonso Davies transfer
Bayern Munich have ruled out a potential departure of Canadian men’s national team left-back Alphonso Davies this summer. “I can rule out a move for Alphonso Davies,” Bayern Munich director Max Eberl ...
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
The biggest FIFA World Cup ever has come to an end. Canada’s star in the constellation of soccer nations has never burned brighter. lethbridgeherald.com/news/nationa...
lethbridgeherald.com
'The best is yet to come': Canada dubbed a soccer nation as FIFA World Cup ends
EAST RUTHERFORD — Canada's first appearance at the centre of soccer's biggest showcase has come to an end. The largest-ever FIFA World Cup came to a close
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TSN @tsnofficial.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Two Bayern Munich legends, Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski were expecting to face-off against each other in Chicago for Lewandowski's MLS debut but the game was cancelled. That wasn't going to keep the two friends from seeing each other 🙌 #MLS
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Patrick Johnston 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 @risingaction.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
What is Canada to be? The answer shouldn’t be left to Bay Street and certainly shouldn’t be left to Silicon Valley. theprovince.com/sports/sport...
theprovince.com
Sportsnet 650's demise reminds us that lack of competition is bad for Canadians
Patrick Johnston: Where is the Competition Bureau? Who thought sports ownership consolidation would be good for the rest of us?
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
A dispatch from my final game of this World Cup. What a run it’s been. ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/didnt-f...
ca.sports.yahoo.com
'It didn't feel like home': Switzerland prevails amid hostile Colombia-friendly crowd
VANCOUVER — Manuel Akanji knew the crowd inside BC Place would be anything but welcoming.
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Patrick Johnston 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 @risingaction.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
It’s still a lame way to settle a game but PKs are still hard to beat for tension and drama
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue says the co-host nation's World Cup run was successful "on a variety of fronts." It's also just the beginning. toronto.citynews.ca/2026/07/06/c... #CANMNT #FWC26
toronto.citynews.ca
Canada Soccer CEO Blue says World Cup enthusiasm must translate into lasting support
Watching Canada embrace the FIFA World Cup has been a “breathtaking” experience for Kevin Blue. The co-host nation rallied not only behind the tournament, but truly celebrated the country’s team, said...
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John "Chud" Chidley-Hill @jchidleyhill.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
When I was in sports journalism school it was drilled into me that there's no cheering in the press box. Indeed, serious sports journalists shouldn't betray any kind of bias. But that's a very North American view and this World Cup has seen that cultural norm challenged www.cp24.com/news/sports/...
cp24.com
No Cheering In The Press Box: Cultures clash in World Cup media centres
It’s an adage in North American sports journalism that there’s no cheering in the press box.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Canada’s World Cup team echoes the country’s rich multiculturalism — and that isn’t lost on the players. #CANMNT #FWC26 www.tsn.ca/soccer/fifa-...
tsn.ca
Canada's FIFA World Cup team reflects country's vibrant multiculturalism
Donning the Maple Leaf was a conscious decision for many of the athletes representing Canada at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
"Really, it's magical." Canadian players hope to inspire others with historic World Cup run. #CANMNT #FWC26 www.tsn.ca/soccer/fifa-...
tsn.ca
Canadian players hope to inspire others with historic World Cup run
After yet another historic performance on Sunday, head coach Jesse Marsch told his team they’re all Canadian heroes.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
What a game. Another historic day for Canadian soccer. #CANMNT #FWC26 lethbridgeherald.com/sports/natio...
lethbridgeherald.com
Eustaquio nets 'moment of magic,' Canada advances with 1-0 win over South Africa
LOS ANGELES — Even after scoring one of the biggest goals in Canadian soccer history, Stephen Eustaquio remained humble. The 29-year-old midfielder played
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
He may be leading Canada through a historic FIFA World Cup run, but head coach Jesse Marsch is not about to commit the Canadianism of saying sorry. ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/canada-... #CANMNT #FWC26
ca.sports.yahoo.com
Canada won't underestimate South Africa ahead of World Cup knockout game
VANCOUVER — He may be leading Canada through a historic FIFA World Cup run, but head coach Jesse Marsch is not about to commit the Canadianism of saying sorry.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
They wont have the home soil advantage they were gunning for, but Canada still earned its first ever spot in a World Cup knockout game. #CANMNT #FWC2026 www.tsn.ca/soccer/fifa-...
tsn.ca
Canada advances to World Cup knockout round despite loss to Switzerland
Canada is through to the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup despite falling 2-1 to Switzerland in their final game of the tournament’s group stage on Wednesday.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Six days after suffering a broken leg in Canada’s historic win over Qatar, Ismaël Koné is on the field watching his #CANMNT teammates warmup ahead of their group-stage finale. #FWC26
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Alphonso Davies won’t be in the starting lineup when Canada takes on Switzerland in Vancouver tomorrow, but head coach Jesse Marsch says he expects the star left back to come off the bench. More on another big game for Canada: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/capta... #canmnt #FWC26
thecanadianpressnews.ca
Captain Alphonso Davies expected to play for Canada vs. Switzerland: coach
VANCOUVER - Alphonso Davies is expected to make his return to the field Wednesday when Canada takes on Switzerland in their final group-stage game of this summer's FIFA World Cup.
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HAR JOURNALIST @harjournalist.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
A new statement from #VWFC
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
And here’s a yarn on the guy who’s steering the team. Jesse Marsch has taught the Canadians to believe in themselves and each other. #CANMNT cfjctoday.com/2026/06/11/h...
cfjctoday.com
Head coach Marsch brings confidence, character to Canadian soccer team
Jesse Marsch believes it's a unique Canadian team that he's leading into the FIFA World Cup this week. The players have an unusually strong desire to compete for each other and their country, he said,...
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The World Cup has begun!! Canada’s run begins tomorrow. The team is going in preaching calm and confidence as the prepare to play on home soil. #CANMNT ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/achieve...
ca.sports.yahoo.com
'We can achieve great things': Canada calm, confident ahead of home World Cup
A World Cup frenzy has slowly enveloped Canada in recent months.
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Ravi Kahlon @ravikahlon.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Good to see Canada joining the working group to help keep the Whitecaps here.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Jesse Marsch told Ali Ahmed he needed to be more physical. The former #VWFC winger responded -- and now he's preparing to play for Canada at the World Cup. Great story by my colleague @danielrainbird.bsky.social #CANMNT www.sportsnet.ca/fifa-world-c...
sportsnet.ca
Canada's Ali Ahmed credits coach for elevating his game ahead of World Cup
When Marsch first took over as Canada's coach two years ago, he challenged the lean, five-foot-11 winger to add a more physical dimension to his game, feedback Ahmed says helped take his play to anoth...
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Not writing about soccer today. Feels strange.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
I really enjoyed sitting down with Tani Oluwaseyi to talk about his transfer to Villarreal, the prospect of playing in a home World Cup and the importance of thanking the people who support you. Have a read! #CANMNT www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/canad...
thecanadianpressnews.ca
Canadian striker Oluwaseyi grateful for journey that's led to FIFA World Cup
CHARLOTTE - Even in tough moments, Tani Oluwaseyi remains thankful.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
There are a lot of new faces on Canada's World Cup roster. Of the 26 players who made the cut Friday, 13 have not played in the tournament before. #CANMNT www.thestar.com/sports/socce...
thestar.com
‘This is what I want’: New Canadian additions eager to play in FIFA World Cup
CHARLOTTE - Alfie Jones has been on a journey, trying to discover what, exactly, it means to be Canadian.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
It's been 10 years since Alphonso Davies made his professional debut. Now he's working his way back from a hamstring injury in hopes of leading Canada at this summer's World Cup. #CANMNT www.tsn.ca/soccer/fifa-...
tsn.ca
'His ascension was remarkable': Davies evolves from teen phenom to Canada's captain
Alphonso Davies left Vancouver as a grinning teenager on the edge of an adventure at one of the world’s biggest soccer clubs.
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Patrick Johnston 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 @risingaction.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Claude Lemieux’s family say his brain is being donated to the Boston Univeristy CTE lab
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Players and staff huddle up before today’s #CANMNT training session. Head coach Jesse marsch is set to cut the group down to 26 tomorrow.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Tajon Buchanan was a standout for Canada at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The winger from Brampton, Ont., doesn’t know what to expect from a home World Cup, but he’s looking forward to finding out. #CANMNT www.winnipegsun.com/sports/canad...
winnipegsun.com
Canadian winger Tajon Buchanan 'feeling good' ahead of home World Cup
Tajon Buchanan knows black-and-white images of his face are posted on billboards and flashing on TVs across Canada.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Sebastian Berhalter is officially on the #USMNT World Cup roster. I sat down with the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder last week to talk about how he got here. #VWFC www.tsn.ca/soccer/fifa-...
tsn.ca
Whitecaps’ Berhalter follows father’s path to World Cup with U.S. team
Sebastian Berhalter grew up seeing exactly what it took to play in a World Cup.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Some fun weather here in Charlotte where the #CANMNT is on the field for training.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Alphonso Davies was named to Canada’s 32-player training camp roster on Monday, but he isn’t in Charlotte with his teammates. And head coach Jesse Marsch doesn’t expect Davies to play in the nation’s World Cup opener. #CANMNT #WorldCup ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/injured...
ca.sports.yahoo.com
Captain Alphonso Davies likely won't play in Canada's World Cup opener: coach
CHARLOTTE — Captain Alphonso Davies will likely miss Canada's first game of this summer's FIFA World Cup as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.
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Gemma Karstens-Smith @gks.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Richie Laryea has played some big soccer games in his hometown of Toronto. The next one will be by far the biggest. #CANMNT #MLS www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/canad...
thecanadianpressnews.ca
Canada defender Richie Laryea embracing hometown spotlight ahead of World Cup opener
Richie Laryea has played some big soccer games in his hometown of Toronto.
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