RIO DE JANEIRO -- U.S. womens water polo coach Adam Krikorian met with his team before practice on Thursday morning. One of his two older brothers had died, and he was leaving to spend time with his family.A mourning Krikorian focused his message on his players, urging them to make the most of their Olympic experience. His players were blown away by his selflessness.That was a moment that I really realized hes one of the strongest people I know, U.S. captain Maggie Steffens said Saturday. He just got us together, let us know what was going on. To know that that was happening to somebody that we love obviously affected us in a way, but one thing that he told us was to go out there and enjoy the moment, and I think thats something thats really telling of his character.Krikorian, a former coach and player at UCLA, led the U.S. to its first Olympic gold medal in womens water polo at the London Games. The team is favored to win again in Rio de Janeiro.Since Krikorian took over in 2009, the U.S. has walked away with gold in 11 of its 15 major FINA championships under his leadership.We talk about him all the time, about how he is an exceptional leader, that we love him, that we stand behind him, and its not just for show. It is the truth, said Courtney Mathewson, who also played for Krikorian at UCLA.Krikorian plans to rejoin the team on Monday, according to USA Water Polo. The U.S. plays Spain in its Olympic opener Tuesday exactly four years after they faced off in the London final.He is family. Hes blood, Steffens said. Were excited to have him back and welcome him back into the family here in Rio. But were here for him. We support him completely, and were pretty lucky we have such a strong, strong coach in Adam. He is really one of a kind.Blake Krikorian died Wednesday at 48, the San Mateo County Coroners office said. Deputy Coroner Danielle Beckman declined to provide further details. But Coroner Robert Foucrault told the San Francisco Chronicle that Krikorian had gone paddle boarding in the San Francisco Bay Area and was found lying next to his car in the parking lot. Foucrault said it appears he died of natural causes.Krikorian was the co-founder of pioneering video streaming device Slingbox and a beloved businessman in Silicon Valley. His colleagues took to social media to mourn his death.Krikorian and brother Jason came up with the concept for Slingbox when unable to find a way to watch San Francisco Giants games while away on business, according to the newspaper.Blake Krikorian also played water polo for UCLA. He had 19 goals, 11 assists and 12 steals during his senior season in 1989.---Associated Press writer Janie Har in San Francisco contributed to this report.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenapSolomon Thomas 49ers Jersey . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. Colin Kaepernick Womens Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Solomon-Thomas-Jersey/ . The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling "puts an end to my dreams of being a top player," the 27-year-old Troicki said in a statement. "I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. Deion Sanders Jersey . William Carrier opened the scoring for Cape Breton (6-4-2), but Andrew Ryan tied the game and Brent Andrews put the Mooseheads (8-6-0) in front for good with a short-handed goal at 13:49 of the second period. Jerry Rice Womens Jersey . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said.England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss has announced that a points system crossing all formats will be used for the matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer.The Super Series will get underway when the international summer begins with the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Headingley on Thursday.As is traditional, individual series trophies will still be at stake for the Tests, one-day internationals and one-off Twenty20 internationals against both tourists. But a system will also be introduced whereby the sides can earn four points for a Test win, two for a draw, and two for a victory in one of the white-ball matches.An overall win may therefore possibly not be achieved until the final match in each series, which will be the Twenty20 matches in the case of this summers tours, and an unsponsored prize of £25,000 will be put up by the home board.The idea is Strauss own and he outlined the thinking behind it at Headingley on Wednesday.Today Im introducing the Super Series, the winner of which will be the overall tour winner for the Sri Lanka and Pakistan series over all formats, said the former England captain.The rationale is that the game of cricket is evolving unbelievably quickly, and I think we feel responsibility to ensure the international game develops. Finn gets the nod Steven Finn edged out Jake Ball for the final place in the England XI Central to that is context and relevance for every game of cricket you play.We believe the Super Series will provide that by connecting the formats and ensuring every game counts for something more than just itself.Two separate white-ball teams and a red-ball team will be connected by something greater than their own immediate interests.What this doesnt do is replace any of the individual series awards this summer, so there will still be a Test series victor, plus the one-day series and the Twenty20 match as well.But it sits on top of that, wraps around it, and creates something bigger to aim for.The ECBB is very keen to be at the forefront of efforts to modernise the international game, and we feel this is a good way of ensuring the game remains relevant in both fans and players minds.ddddddddddddIf the same points formula had been applied to Englands winter tours, the outcome would have been decided in the last match and the Test series winners would have been pipped at the line.Of course we would love the final game to be a Super Series decider, that would be perfect, said Strauss.If you look at the last two series we played - against South Africa we would have lost the Super Series in the final Twenty20, and against Pakistan in the UAE we would have won the Super Series in the super over in the final Twenty20. Andrew Strauss says international cricket needs to keep moving forward Anyone out there who doesnt see the need for international cricket to keep moving forwards really does have their head stuck in the sand.I think we have to be on the front foot on this and say look, we have a very vibrant Test support in this country and weve seen some fantastic Test matches over the last 12-18 months, but there are some worrying signs there - so lets act before its too late.England Test captain Alastair Cook said: I dont think weve got anything to fear about the points system.If it works, brilliant. I dont think theres any harm in having a look.If it doesnt work, it doesnt work. In this day and age, weve got to be open to new ideas.Watch England take on Sri Lanka in the first Test at Headingley from 10am on Thursday, live on Sky Sports 2. You can also keep up-to-date with all the action by following our live blog on skysports.com/cricket and catch highlights and The Verdict on Sky Sports after each days play.Also See:Sky Live: England v Sri LankaFinn beats Ball to final placeBeefy: Vince ready to goHussain: Cook so strong ' ' '