Charles Hamelin led three Canadians into the quarter-finals of the mens 1,000 metres Thursday at the Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi. Hamelin, of Ste. Julie, Que, who won gold in the mens 1,500m on Monday, finished first in his heat with a time of one minute, 25.742 seconds. There was an anxious moment for Hamelin, who nearly ran into Wenhao Liang as he passed his Chinese skater. But a review cleared Hamelin of interference, allowing the Canadian to move on. Hamelin won three World Cup races in the 1,000m this season and is a two-time world silver medallist. Charle Cournoyer of Boucherville, Que., (1:24.787) and Olivier Jean of Lachenaie, Que., (1:26.089) also qualified for the mens quarter-finals. Both won their respective heats. Canadas historic total was increased to eight gold medals and 26 medals overall since the sport debuted in 1992 after Hamelin on Monday crossed first in the 1,500m. Hamelin captured his third career gold, to go with a silver from 2006. Should the 29-year-old capture another medal in Sochi, and its expected, hell tie Marc Gagnon and Francois-Louis Tremblay for the most medals ever by a Canadian in the sport. Swell Flaske 500 Ml . Canada was placed in one of the easiest groups during Saturdays live televised draw in Montreal. Swell Flaske Liberty . - Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery was so busy in free agency he didnt mind having a few extra weeks to prepare for the draft. http://www.swellflaskenorge.com/.com) - The 12th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continue a four-game homestand at Value City Arena on Wednesday night when they face off against the High Point Panthers in a non-conference matchup. Swell Flaske Salg . Now comes an off-season of questions about manager Matt Williams decisions and a handful of key roster choices, including what to do about Ryan Zimmerman, whether to sign Jordan Zimmermann and Ian Desmond to long-term deals, and how to upgrade an offence that fell flat in October. Swell Flaske Blå Marmor . THE THUNDER & PACERS BENCHES: In a nutshell, not impressive at all. LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with defensive lineman Israel Idonije and are bringing him back for a second stint. They also released receiver Earl Bennett and added depth at safety, agreeing to one-year deals with Craig Steltz and Danny McCray. Idonije spent last season with Detroit after playing his first nine for Chicago. He had just 11 tackles and a half-sack with the Lions, but played some of the best ball of his career toward the end of his time with the Bears. He had 20 1/2 sacks over his last three seasons with Chicago. At 33, he doesnt give the Bears the youth theyre seeking. But with his ability to play end or tackle, he does provide the versatility theyre looking for as they revamp a struggling defence. A third-round draft pick out of Vanderbilt in 2008, Bennett had 185 catches for 2,277 yards and 12 touchdowns..dddddddddddd He was a favourite target of Jay Cutler, his college teammate, but he also has a history of concussions. With Bennett gone, Marquess Wilson becomes the favourite for the third receiver spot behind stars Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Steltz, a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 2008, made one start last season and had one pass break-up along with 14 tackles and 14 special teams tackles. McCray was mainly a special teams contributor during his four seasons with Dallas. He had eight defensive and eight special teams tackles last season. The Bears have been busy of late, releasing defensive end Julius Peppers and bringing back cornerback Charles Tillman on a one-year deal. They have two new ends in Willie Young and Lamarr Houston, and theyve also added Ryan Mundy and M.D. Jennings to the mix at safety. ' ' '