Second win for Canada in men’s VNL
June 21, 2022: Canada earned another crucial win in men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) action today in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Despite a shaky start against Australia, Canada picked up the 3-1 (18-25, 28-26, 25-19, 25-22) win, with Stephen Maar leading all scorers in points with 23. Both Canada and Australia are “challenger” teams in VNL, which means they could be relegated if they finish last among that group (AUS / BUL / CAN / CHN / NED / SLO).
“I’m so proud of the guys today,” said Maar, explaining to Volleyball TV that his team had several challenging travel days to get to the Bulgarian capital.
“They did everything they needed to do and nobody was an “A” today, but there were a lot of B-pluses and that’s what we needed to do to win. … Today it took a bit of time to come together, but I knew we were going to find out rhythm.”
The men recently wrapped up week one at home in Ottawa, Ontario, going 1-3 in the opening leg. Canada plays Poland next on June 23 as well as Serbia, and Iran during this leg of the tournament.
Roster (week 2)
Eric Loeppky, Langley, BC
Brett Walsh, Calgary, AB
Ryan Sclater, Port Coquitlam, BC
Brodie Hofer, Langley, BC
Stephen Maar, Aurora, ON
Nicholas Hoag, Sherbrooke, QC (captain)
Ryley Barnes, Edmonton, AB
Derek Epp, Saskatoon, SK
Mathias Elser, Calgary, AB
Justin Lui, Pickering, ON
Lucas Van Berkel, Edmonton, AB
Pearce Eshenko, Banff, AB
Jackson Howe, Calgary, AB
Marc Wilson, Stratford, ON
- Members of the media requiring accreditation for the Calgary (women) VNL matches, please contact Jackie Skender
- For more info, please see the VNL web site, including full schedule.
- Watch in Canada at www.cbcsports.ca
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Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
Mobile: 613.794.7676
Photo: FIVB