reat start to his career,\' said Benevides after the club return

SURREY, B. Steven Jackson Jersey .C. -- Kirby Fabiens promising CFL rookie season has come to a premature end. B.C. coach Mike Benevides confirmed Wednesday the Lions guard will miss the rest of the season after suffering a devastating knee injury a night earlier in a loss to the Argonauts in Toronto. "Its unfortunate, because he was having a great start to his career," said Benevides after the club returned to its Surrey, B.C., training facility. "Its unfortunate, but hes done for the year." Fabien, a 22-year-old Calgary native, was injured when he was hit after a Travis Lulay pass was intercepted in a 38-12 loss to the Argos that ended B.C.s winning streak at three games. A 2012 first-round draft choice (seventh overall), Fabien had quickly established himself as a starter this year after electing to return to the University of Calgary last season. Fabien, who returned from Toronto with the team, is due to have an MRI exam on Thursday to determine the full extent of the damage and what surgery is needed. "The (team) doctor said there were several (torn ligaments), or more than one, so well find out what happens after that," said Benevides. Veteran Dean Valli, who replaced Fabien after he went down in Toronto, will assume the starting role when the Lions (3-2) host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-4) on Monday. "(Valli) stepped in and he did a wonderful job," said Benevides. "Hes got tremendous experience. So hell be the guy that steps in for us, and then Matt Albright is also there on game day for depth for us." Benevides said the club has discussed bringing back veteran guard Jon Hameister-Ries, who has been plagued by injuries and has not been with the team this season. But it is unlikely that Hameister-Ries will be called back. "Right now, were going to focus on the guys we have in house, which would be Matt Albright and would be Angus Reid and would be, obviously, Dean (Valli) stepping in to play the guard position," said Benevides. Veteran centre Reid has been placed on the nine-game injured reserve list due to a back injury that sidelined him early in training camp. But the Lions have the option of bringing him back early, if he is healthy. Reid, 36, watched a practice Saturday while wearing his gear and holding his helmet. The Richmond, B.C., natives early return would allow Matt Norman, his replacement at centre, to shift back to the guard position. Norman played guard last season while splitting the year between the Lions and his University of Western Ontario teaching studies. Albright, a 21-year-old rookie out of St. Marys University, was drafted 42nd overall by B.C. this year. Fabien was B.C.s second Canadian rookie in two games to see his season end prematurely. Defensive back Matt McGarva, a 22-year-old Surrey, B.C., native, was also felled by a knee injury July 20 in a win over Edmonton, but his injury was not as apparent during the game and received little attention. "Its one of those things where its very unfortunate and sad for the athlete," said Benevides. "But theyll be stronger for it, and well have to adjust as a team." Fabiens injury spoiled a run of relative good fortune by the offensive line, which was plagued by injuries last season after three guards, including Valli, went down in training camp but was managing well in spite of Reids absence this year. "Those guys were doing a really nice job working together, and we had a lot of continuity in that area, and certainly didnt get that done," said Benevides. While Fabien starts to mend, Lions coaches, players and medical staff will also try to counsel him through the recovery process. "Its very tough for any athlete to go through, youve gotta work him through it and try to get the guys who have been through it before, maybe, to speak to him," said Benevides. "Its not an easy process to go through, so were there for him. He understands that, and I think he saw that from his teammates (Wednesday) morning on the plane." Benevides hopes the revamped offensive line can help the Lions get into the end zone against Winnipeg. The Lions advanced within 10 yards of the Toronto goal-line on four occasions Tuesday, but had to settle for field goals. "Thats going to be a discussion point -- theres no doubt," said Benevides adding the entire team needs to solve the problem. Robert McClain Jersey . -- Chris Wondolowski scored his 10th goal of the season and the San Jose Earthquakes made it stand for a 1-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday. Harry Douglas Black Jersey . The International Ice Hockey Federation says Russia is looking for a new coach before the world championship in May in Belarus. The IIHF says Russian hockey federation officials agreed to Bilyaletdinovs departure after meeting with him on Wednesday.NEW YORK -- More than a dozen cities are interested in hosting the NFL draft in 2015 draft, and the league hopes to choose a site this summer. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago were invited this week to make presentations for next springs draft. But the league stresses that no finalists have been selected and many other cities are in the running. The draft drew record TV ratings last month. It has been held in New York since 1965, with Radio City Music Hall the venue since 2006. But the Music Hall was not available for the usual late April dates this year and the draft was pushed back to May 8-10. For the 2015 draft, the NFL is seeking proposals for April 22-25 or April 29-May 2. The NFL originally was less than happy that Radio City could not be used in April, although the two-week move into May seemed beneficial as interest ramped up. The theatre, owned by Madison Square Garden, will not be available next year, either, but the Garden has a smaller venue, one that previously has held the draft. Or, considering its skyrocketing popularity, the draft could wind up in the main arena if it stays in New York. Devin Hester Black Jersey. The league this week sent letters to organizations that work on behalf of hosting events in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, asking for information. Among the factors the league will consider are: --availability of the proposed venue or venues for April 22-25 and April 29-May 2. --number of fans the venues could hold for the draft and related events. --ability to host a fan festival in an adjacent indoor or outdoor space. --hotel availability for fans, team and league staff, incoming draft prospects and their families. Among the other cities that have shown interest in the draft are Boston, Cleveland, Green Bay, Houston, Nashville, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Seattle. Also, Canton, Ohio, the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Commissioner Roger Goodell several times has suggested the draft could be expanded to four days and moved around the country. "Were looking at ways to make the draft more exciting for our fans," Goodell said. "We are looking at a lot of options, perhaps expand the number of days or moving it around." ' ' '