CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw insisted he has no regrets about missing a game to attend the memorial for his friend Charlie Kirk, saying he had an invitation from the right-wing commentator's widow and permission from the team to attend the event in Glendale, Arizona.
Shaw said Tuesday that Kirk's widow Erika texted asking him to attend the event, and he was “not concerned at all” about any backlash toward him for going. He said he and Kirk lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona and connected through their faith.
“Whatever backlash comes is OK,” Shaw said. “I feel strongly in my faith that was meant to be.”
Kirk, a Chicago area native, would text Shaw after Cubs games. He posed for a photo with Shaw and Chicago infielder Michael Busch on the Cubs' dugout following a game at Wrigley Field in August.
Shaw missed a 1-0 loss at Cincinnati on Sunday that had seeding ramifications for the playoff-bound Cubs. They’re trying to secure the top wild card and homefield advantage that comes with it in the opening round. The Cubs had an off day on Monday, so this was the first opportunity to ask Shaw about the decision to attend the memorial.
“I felt as though it was something that was really important for me to do,” he said.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
Chicago Cubs Matt Shaw (6) reacts after striking out in the second inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Swensen)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Dylan Guenther had two goals and an assist, Jack McBain added a goal and two assists, and the Utah Mammoth beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 on Tuesday night.
Daniil But, JJ Peterka and Michael Carcone each had a goal and an assist, Ian Cole each had two assists, and Barrett Hayon added an assist for Utah, which extended its point streak to 4-0-1. Karel Vejmelka had 19 saves while getting his NHL-leading 21st win.
Calle Jarnkrok scored as Toronto snapped a four game win streak and a 10-game point streak. Dennis Hildeby finished with 34 saves.
Guenther scored his two goals just 1:18 apart early in the second period, the fastest back-to-back goals by a single player in Mammoth franchise history, and pushed Utah's lead to 3-0. The sharp-shooting forward leads Utah with 23 goals on the season.
Peterka made it a four-goal lead with 4 1/2 minutes remaining in the second before Jarnkrok spoiled Vejmelka’s shutout bid 3:30 into the third.
McBain and But scored 3:25 apart late in the third to cap the scoring.
Carcone scored the first goal 3:22 into the game on a one-timer off a cross-ice pass from Nate Schmidt. Carcone, who grew up just north of Toronto, has scored Utah's opening goal in the last three matchups.
Sean Durzi had a cut on his face after colliding with Auston Matthews in the second period but returned to skate in the third.
Late in the first period, But seemed to have scored but officials whistled a face-off while the puck was still free.
Toronto: At Vegas on Thursday night.
Utah: Hosts Dallas on Thursday night to continue a seven-game homestand.
AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/nhl
Utah Mammoth defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) jumps over Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) hockey stick during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
Toronto Maple Leafs center Calle Jarnkrok (19) scores against Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
Utah Mammoth left wing Lawson Crouse (67) shoots the puck against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby (35) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz (8) moves the puck on the ice against Toronto Maple Leafs center Steven Lorentz (18) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton (27) shoots the puck against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby (35) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
