June 29, 2025: Canada swept China today in both teams’ final match of Volleyball Nations League’s second men’s week in Chicago, Illinois.
- Set scores: 23-25, 20-25, 23-25.
The young Canadian squad built on their experience in week two after losing to Brazil, USA and Poland. However, with each match they showed more confidence and put pressure on higher ranked Poland forcing them to five sets.
“Time divided by opportunities’ was a theme this week,” explained Canada’s head coach Dan Lewis. “We must help create opportunity for ourselves to grow. Every time we step on the court we must strive to field an internationally competitive team. I am very grateful for the chance to coach this group. They work hard, help each other and continue to grow fast.”
Though Canada’s errors were high (23), the Canadian side scored more attack points (44-34), blocks (7-4) and aces (9-5).
Xander Ketrzynski led scoring with 21 (14 kills, 3 blocks and 4 aces). Teammate Isaac Heslinga followed with 17 points. Captain of the Chinese team, Chuan Jiang, contributed 15 points to his team’s effort.
Canada’s men have three VNL wins so far and currently sit at 14th place.
VNL now takes a break and resumes with the women’s competition on July 09. Canada’s women play week 3 in Arlington, Texas.
Link to standings: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/standings/men/
VNL week two Roster (Men)
1 – Daenan Gyimah – Middle Blocker – Scarborough, ON
2 – Luke Herr – Setter – Winnipeg, MB
3 – Jesse Elser – Outside Hitter – Calgary, AB
5 – Brodie Hofer – Outside Hitter – Langley, BC
10 – Ryan Sclater – Opposite – Port Coquitlam, BC
11 – Xander Ketrzynski – Opposite – Toronto, ON
13 – Max Elgert – Setter – Edmonton, AB
15 – Jackson Young – Outside Hitter – Toronto, ON
16 – Jordan Schnitzer – Middle Blocker – Surrey, BC
18 – Justin Lui – Libero – Pickering, ON
22 – Isaac Heslinga – Outside Hitter – Orangeville, ON
33 – Fynn McCarthy – Middle Blocker – Lake Country, BC (Captain)
97 – Landon Currie – Libero – Coldstream, BC
99 – Skyler Varga – Outside Hitter – Muenster, SK
Week 2 Results (Chicago)
Canada v Brazil 0-3 (22-25, 17-25, 17-25)
Canada v. USA 0-3 (23-25, 22-25, 28-30).
Poland v. Canada 3-2 (30-32, 14-25, 25-17, 25-23, 15-13)
China v. Canada 0-3 (23-25, 20-25, 23-25)
Week 1 Results (Quebec)
Germany v. Canada 2-3 (25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25, 11-15)
Argentina v. Canada 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-8)
Canada v. France 2-3 (22-25, 27-29, 29-27, 25-21, 6-15)
Bulgaria v. Canada 0-3 (24-26, 23-25, 19-25)
Global tournament web site: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/
Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676