MVB: 2021-22 Season Preview

VANCOUVER - The Canada West men's volleyball schedule kicks into full gear this weekend as 10 teams are set to open their 2021-22 seasons.

The Manitoba Bisons and Winnipeg Wesmen get Week 2 action underway as the crosstown rivals square off on Thursday night. The Wesmen already have a pair of games under their belt this season after splitting a pair of matches (3-1, 2-3) with the Brandon Bobcats last weekend.

Two more local matchups are featured this week, with the MacEwan Griffins hosting the Alberta Golden Bears, and the Mount Royal Cougars visiting the Calgary Dinos. The Bobcats are also back in action again this weekend, hosting the Saskatchewan Huskies.

In the West Divisionthe reigning conference champion Trinity Western Spartans squad will host the Thompson Rivers WolfPack, while the UBC Okanagan Heat will welcome in the Fraser Valley Cascades. The Cascades will make their long awaited Canada West debut against the UBC Okanagan Heatafter being approved as CW members for the cancelled 2020-21 season in May of 2019.

You can catch every match live and on-demand on Canada West TV presented by Co-op. Get set for the season with your choice of access pass!

For the full Canada West schedule, click here.

Team-by-team previews

Alberta Golden Bears
Brandon Bobcats
UBC Thunderbirds
UBCO Heat
Calgary Dinos
Fraser Valley Cascades
MacEwan Griffins
Manitoba Bisons
Mount Royal Cougars
Saskatchewan Huskies
Thompson Rivers WolfPack
Trinity Western Spartans
Winnipeg Wesmen

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2019-20 CW regular season record: /18-4/, 2^nd in CW
2019-20 CW post-season record: /4-2/, lost to TWU in CW Final
Head coach: Brock Davidiuk (2^nd season) / 18-4 career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2015 / 14
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2015 / 8

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 16.6, 3^rd
Kills per set: 12.12, 3^rd
Hitting percentage: 31.9%, 3^rd

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 233 - Jackson Kennedy, Outside Hitter
Digs: 104 - Max Elgert, Setter
Blocks: 107 -George Hobern, Middle
Aces: 41 - Max Elgert, Setter
Assists: 786 - Max Elgert, Setter
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Isaac Heslinga / Outside / 1^st / Orangeville, ON / Aurora Storm
Julien Phillips / Outside / 1^st / Fredericton, NB / Canadian National Junior Team
Landon Currie / Libero / 4^th / Vernon, BC / Thompson Rivers WolfPack
Liam Espedido / Outside / 1^st / Port Coquitlam, BC / Team BC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Jackson Kennedy / Outside / Edmonton, AB / 4
Carter McIntyre / Middle / Edmonton, AB / 5
George Hobern / Middle / Sherwood Park, AB / 5
Michael Sumner / Libero / Sherwood Park, AB / 5

Key performer:
Max Elgert
Setter
Fifth-year
Athabasca, AB

With this 2021/22 iteration of the Golden Bears volleyball squad, fifth-year setter Max Elgert will be integral to reaching the heights this team has seen in recent memory. He paced the 19/20 Bears in digs, aces, and assists, leading Canada West with 786 assists.

He was selected as a first team Canada West All-Star 2020, before being chosen as the Wilson Challenge Trophy winner as the top Male Athlete at the University of Alberta.
Head coach Brock Davidiuk will need his returnees, like Elgert, to be elite if the Bears are to challenge for not only a conference title, but perhaps even a medal position at the U SPORTS Championship.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 13-9, 4^th in Canada West
2019-20 post-season record: 3-2, lost to Trinity Western in CW semi-finals
Head coach: Grant Wilson (10^th season) / 113-71 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2019 / 2
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: None

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 15.6, 4^th
Kills per set: 11.54, 4^th
Hitting percentage: .293, 4^th

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 271 - Elliott Viles, OH
Digs: 125 - Elliott Viles and Reece Dixon, OH & S
Blocks: 71 - Mason Metcalf, M
Aces: 39 - Elliott Viles, OH
Assists: 638 - Reece Dixon, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Joao Cunha / OH / 2 / Rio de Janeiro, Bra. / Keyano Huskies
Phillip Lauter / OH / 1 / Wiesbaden, Ger. / Emmanuel College

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Elliott Viles / OH / Adelaide, Aus. / 4)

Key performer:
Jake Fleming
S
4
Edmonton, AB

Fleming has the most on court experience from the young Bobcat side that graduated most of its starting line up from the 2019-20 season. The starting setter will be expected to quarterback the offence and provide leadership at critical times.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 17-5, 3^rd
2019-20 CW post-season record: 3-2, lost CW semifinal to Alberta
Head coach: Mike Hawkins (4^th season) / 30-38 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 1986 / 5
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships (if no championships, list highest previous finish): 2018 / 4

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 16.8 2^nd
Kills per set: 12.37, 2^nd
Hitting percentage: .323, 2^nd

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 243 - Matt Neaves, OH
Digs: 109 - Ben Hooker, S
Blocks: 75 - Jordan Deshane, M
Aces: 50 - Coltyn Liu, OH
Assists: 654 - Ben Hooker, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Easton Sarich / OH / 1 / Campbellville, Ont. / U19 Canadian National Team
Logan Greves / L / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Canadian Youth National Team
Mason Greves / S / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Canadian Youth National Team

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Jordan Deshane / M / Surrey, B.C. / 4
Danny Aspenlieder OH / Vernon, B.C. / 4

Key performer:
Matt Neaves
OH
3^rd
Calgary, Alta.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 3-19, 11^th Canada West
2019-20 post-season record: N/A
Head coach: Brad Hudson (6th season) / 18-74 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 12.3, 12th
Kills per set: 9.63, 12th
Hitting percentage: .155, 12th

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 197 - Maxwell Heppell, Outside Hitter
Digs: 161 - Denham O'Reilly, Setter
Blocks: 45 - Téo Ardanaz, Middle
Aces: 12 - Maxwell Heppell, Outside Hitter
Assists: 290 - Jakob Hamilton, Setter
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Zach van Geel / Setter / 1 / Calgary / Canuck Stuff Volleyball Club
Jordan Simpson / Middle / 2 / Cranbrook, B.C. / College of the Rockies Avalanche (CCAA)

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
None

Key performer:
Noah Carlson
Opposite
2
Sylvan Lake, Alta.

While still early in his developmental pathway, Noah shows tremendous promise as an attacker and will be hugely impactful as a blocker. He's also shown significant leadership potential.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 12-10, T-5th in CW
2019-20 post-season record: 0-2, lost in CW Quarter-Final to Brandon
Head coach: Rod Durrant (15th season) / 158-136 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2011 / 9
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2010 / 4

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 14.4, 9th in CW
Kills per set: 10.95, 9th in CW
Hitting percentage: .252, 6th in CW

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 274 - Mac McNicol, OH
Digs: 145 - Mac McNicol, OH
Blocks: 69 - Mac McNicol, OH
Aces: 36 - Mac McNicol, OH
Assists: 836 - Tomas Sorra, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Louis Kuntsmann / M / 1 / Bad Soden, GER / United Volleys Frankfurt
Erik Godwin / OH / 1 / Lethbridge, AB / Alberta Volleyball
Zach Evans / M / 1 / Calgary, AB / Canucks VC
Kendall Kropp / S / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Northern Alberta VC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Kyle Hall / L / Calgary, AB / 4
Mac McNicol / OH / Calgary, AB / 1
Mitchell Higgin / M / Calgary, AB / 5
Liam Laidlaw / M / Calgaryu, AB / 5

Key performer:
Tomas Sorra
Setter
4^th-year
Toronto, ON

Tomas Sorra stepped into a larger role with the Dinos in 2019-20 - and the stats showed it. The Toronto native jumped from 81 assists in 2018-19, to 836 during the last season of competition. With a solid mix of first-years and veterans, Sorra will be one of the familiar and counted-on players on the court this year.






2019-20 PACWEST regular season record: 6-18, 6th place
2019-20 post-season record: 0-1, eliminated in quarter-finals
Head coach: Nathan Bennett (3rd season) / 12-10
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A

2019-20 PACWEST regular season leaders:
Kills: 239 - Landon Uy, LS
Digs: 131 - Graham Walkey, S
Blocks: 30 - Jackson Obst, M
Aces: 30 - Graham Walkey, S, Landon Uy, LS
Assists: 643 - Graham Walkey, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Nimo Benne / LS / Year 2 / Castricum, The Netherlands / TRU
Jonas Van Huizen / S / Year 1 / Langley, BC / Langley Christian
Ryan Adams / RS / Year 2 / Sherwood Park, AB / TRU
Tyson Ardell / M / Year 1 / Abbotsford, BC / Mennonite Educational Institute

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
N/A

Key performer:
Nimo Benne
Left Side
Year 2
Castricum, The Netherlands

As they embark on their inaugural Canada West season, the Cascades are led by a standout attacker in Benne who has had significant success in the league. In 2019-20, the high-flying left side was voted the CW rookie of the year in recognition of his standout campaign with the Thompson Rivers WolfPack. Benne finished fourth in CW in kills (265), and was also among the conference leaders in kills per set (3.23, ninth), total digs (131, ninth), digs per set (1.60, 12th) and in hitting percentage (.254, 12th).






2019-20 CW regular season record: 2-20, 12th
2019-20 post-season record: Missed playoffs
Head coach: Brad Poplawski (11th season) / 16-124
Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: None

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 12.6, 11th
Kills per set: 10.01, 11th
Hitting percentage: .170, 11th

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 317 - Max Vriend, OH
Digs: 108 - Max Vriend, OH
Blocks: 45 - Max Vriend, OH
Aces: 19 - Max Vriend, OH
Assists: 362 - Jonathan Mohler, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Alexander Lyndon / S / 2 / Sydney, AUS / SAIT (ACAC)
Ethan Nashim / OH / 4 / Lac Lac Biche, AB / Grande Prairie (ACAC)
Carsten Bergeron / MB / 1 / Clyde, AB / FOG Black (R.F. Staples)
Daylan Andison / OH / 1 / Edmonton, AB / NAVC (Strathcona)

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Max Vriend / OH / Barrhead, AB / 5
Jordan Peters / OH / Edmonton, AB / 4
David Morgan / LB / Brisbane, AUS / 2
Noah Johnson / MB / Edmonton, AB / 2

Key performer:
Alexei Walisser
Position: Outside Hitter
Year: 4
Hometown: Peace River, AB

After leading the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's North Division in kills with 287 for Lakeland College during the 2018-19 season, Walisser transferred to MacEwan, but decided to redshirt his first season with the Griffins (2019-20).

His dedication in the gym and classroom during that year and over the pandemic lost season of 2020-21 has positioned him well to make a big impact at the Canada West level this season.

Walisser is a veteran 6-foot-5 outside who brings big offence, can block and be physical at the net, and also posseses a strong passing game, honed even further since his time at MacEwan.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 8-14, 10^th
2019-20 post-season record: 0-0
Head coach: Arnd "Lupo" Ludwig (1^st season) / 0-0
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2002-03 / 1
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2002-03 / 10

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 14.4, 8^th
Kills per set: 10.8, 10^th
Hitting percentage: .205, 10^th

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 264 - Kevin Negus, RS
Digs: 140 - Owen Schwartz, LS
Blocks: 60 - Zach Janzen, LS
Aces: 26 - Kevin Negus, RS
Assists: 651 - Jack Mandryk, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Eric Ogaranko / RS / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / Vincent Massey Trojans
Sem Mehretab / M / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / Junior Bisons
Connor Morphy / LS / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / Dakota Lancers
Spencer Grahame / LS / 1 / Selkirk, MB / Canadian Youth National Team
Bryce Cancilla / LIB / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / 204 Volleyball Club
Jonah Dueck / M / 1 / Rosenort, MB / Canadian Youth National Team

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Kevin Negus / RS / Sioux Lookout, ON / 5
Ted Glass / LIB / Winnipeg, MB / 1
Amirali Paknahad / OH / Toronto, ON / 3
Drew Kirk / RS / Langenburg, SK / 1

Key performer:
Ben Carleton
Left Side
3^rd Year
Brisbane, Australia

Having spent his first two U SPORTS seasons working beside one of the most prolific hitters in program history in Kevin Negus, left side Ben Carleton is ready for the spotlight in his junior year with Manitoba.

The Brisbane, Australia native got on the court as a true freshman in 2018-19 and has honed his game since. In 2019-20, Carleton averaged 1.91 kills per set (31^st in Canada West), with 12 total service aces and a .129 hitting percentage.

This season, those numbers should shoot up as he becomes the team's main attacking option on the outside. The 6'6", 215-pound hitter is studying in the Faculty of Engineering.

2019-20 CW regular season record: 9-13, 8th
2019-20 CW post-season record: 0-2
Head coach: Shawn Sky (18th season) / 88-96 Career CW reg. season record
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2019 (1st appearance, finished 6th)

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 14.4, 10th
Kills per set: 11.3, 6th
Hitting percentage: .219, 7th

2019-20 CW regular season leaders and league rank:
Kills: 186 - Chris Byam, 18th
Digs: 106 - Keal Prince, 20th
Blocks: 38 - Luis Lange, 33rd
Aces: 24 - Keal Prince, T-14th
Assists: 638 - Keal Prince, 9th

Key Additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Jacob Breton / Middle / 1st / Calgary, AB / Canadian Youth National Team & Canuck VC Will Breton / Outside / 1st / Calgary, AB / SAIT

Key Losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Godi Jibi / Middle / Calgary, AB / 4

Key Performer:
Keal Prince Setter Fourth year Calgary, AB

"Mount Royal men's volleyball is thrilled that we can compete again," Shawn Sky, men's volleyball head coach said. "We still want to recognize that we are in the midst of challenging times, but I'm really happy with how the team has persevered in the past 20+ months."

The men's volleyball team has strong expectations of their performance along with high potential this season. With the knowledge and power to make a push for Canada West playoffs and potentially Nationals, the men's volleyball program is excited to see how things shake out in their division given the talent in their pool.

2019-20 CW regular season record: 10-12, 7^th in CW
2019-20 post-season record: 0-2, eliminated by Alberta in CW QF
Head coach: Sean McKay (3^rd season) / 10-12
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2014 / 11
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2004 / 4

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 15.1, 5th in CW
Kills per set: 11.3, 6^th in CW
Hitting percentage: .258, 5^th in CW

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 212 - Daulton Sinoski, M
Digs: 145 - CJ Gavlas, S
Blocks: 70 - Daulton Sinoski, M
Aces: 26 - Connor Murray, OH
Assists: 714 - CJ Gavlas, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Skyler Varga / OH / 1 / Muenster, SK / Team Canada Youth
Quinn Buchanan / M / 3 / Lethbridge, AB / Lethbridge College Kodiaks

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
CJ Gavlas / S / Saskatoon, SK / 4
Connor Murray / OH / Prince Albert, SK / 4
Daulton Sinoski / M / Prince Albert, SK / 5

Key performer:
Dylan Mortensen
OH
4
Swift Current, SK

After Dylan Mortenson's 2019-20 campaign was cut short due to injury, the 6-8 Swift Current, Sask. native, who is one of the best outside hitters in the nation, is back in the fold for Saskatchewan. In his last full season of play, Mortenson recorded 326 kills during the 2018-19 campaign, leading the Huskies to an appearance in the Canada West quarter-final and earning Canada West Second-Team All Star Status along the way. The 2018 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year will be counted upon heavily from the Huskies in their pursuit for a third-consecutive postseason appearance.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 8-14, 10th
2019-20 post-season record: /-/, N/A
Head coach: Pat Hennelly (16th season) / 120-166 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A Best finish bronze in 2008-09
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A Best finish bronze in 2007-08

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 14.9, 6th
Kills per set: 11.26, 7th
Hitting percentage: .211, 9th

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 265 - Nimo Benne, OH
Digs: 169 - Landon Currie, L
Blocks: 91 - Sam Taylor Parks, M
Aces: 30 - Charlie Bringloe, OH
Assists: 422 - Anton Napolitano, S
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Matthew Hamilton / OH / 1st-year / Lethbridge, AB / Lethbridge Collegiate
Thundersky Walkingbear / OH / 3rd-year / Thunderchild, SK / Olds College
Michael Svab / M / 4th-year / Pincher Creek, AB / Lethbridge College

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Kyle Behiels / M / Edmonton, AB / 5
Charlie Bringloe / OH / Waterloo, ON / 5
Joshua Mullaney / OH / Calgary, AB / 5
Sam Taylor Parks / M / Kelowna, BC / 5

Key performer:
Anton Napolitano
Setter / Outside Hitter
5th-year
Melbourne, AUS

The lone fifth-year player on a young WolfPack roster, Anton Napolitano will be relied on for his veteran presence both on and off the court. Primarily a setter in years past, the product of Melbourne will bring an extra element to his game this season as he will also spend time as an outside hitter.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 20-2, 1st
2019-20 post-season record: 5-1, 1st
Head coach: Ben Josephson (15th season) / 213-63 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2020 / 6
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2019 / 6

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 17.2, 1st
Kills per set: 12.64, 1st
Hitting percentage: .380, 1st

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 3.89/set - Eric Loeppky, Left Side
Digs: 1.47/set - Jesse Elser, Left Side
Blocks: 1.42/set - Pearce Eshenko, Middle
Aces: 0.50/set - Jesse Elser, Left Side
Assists: 10.29 - Derek Epp, Setter
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Cory Schoenherr / Middle / 1^st / Waterloo, ON / Bluevale
Liam Remple / Outside / 1^st / Vernon, BC / Vernon Christian
Anselm Rein / Setter / 1^st / Erfurt, Germany / Blues Volley Gotha

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Pearce Eshenko / Middle / Banff, AB / 5
Eric Loeppky / Left Side / Steinbach, MB / 4
Jacob Kern / Right Side / Edmonton / 5

Key performer:
Derek Epp
Setter
4^th-Year
Saskatoon

After leading Canada West in assists per set in 2019-20 (10.29), Epp returns this fall with the goal of leading the defending Canada West and U SPORTS champions back to the top. The TWU setter guided the Spartans to a conference-leading .380 hitting percentage in 2019-20 and will look to do so again with a variety of attacking options, including the likes of returning veterans Jesse Elser, Brodie Hofer and Jackson Howe. The last time, Canada West saw Epp in action was in the Canada West final in 2019-20, when he led the Spartans to a three-set win on home court to capture TWU's sixth conference crown.






2019-20 CW regular season record: 12-10, sixth place
2019-20 post-season record: 0-2, lost in quarter-finals
Head coach: Larry McKay (33rd season) / 240-224 (Career CW reg. season record)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / 0
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2007 / 10

2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Points per set: 14.4, seventh
Kills per set: 11.23, eighth
Hitting percentage: .218, eighth

2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
Kills: 316 - Daniel Thiessen, Opposite
Digs: 198 - Darian Picklyk, libero
Blocks: 61 - Keegan Teetaert, middle
Aces: 20 - Daniel Thiessen, Opposite
Assists: 674 - Mikael Clegg, setter
*Returning

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Paxton Koop, middle, 1st, Steinbach, Steinbach Regional Secondary
Jaxon Rose, left side, 1st, Winnipeg, Dakota Collegiate
Alex Krykewich, setter, 1st, Winnipeg, Dakota Collegiate
Nic Carter, right side, 1st, Ile des Chenes, Man., College-Gabrielle Roy
Carson Brennan, libero, 1st, Bragg Creek, Alta., Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Mikael Clegg, setter, St. Andrews, Man., five
Keegan Teetaert, middle, Steinbach, four

Key performer:
Daniel Thiessen
Opposite
Fourth
Winnipeg

A second-team all-Canadian and first-team all-conference, Thiessen was among the top attackers in the country in 2019-20, finishing second in U Sports in kills and leading the nation in points. He also was among the conference's leaders in digs, finishing fourth.