CHARLESTON, West Virginia (Sept. 10, 2023) – Canada’s 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 25-17, 24-26, 15-13) win over Cuba on Saturday earned the team a spot in today’s final of the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

Canada (3-0) will play the United States (4-0) in Sunday’s gold medal match at 7:30 pm Eastern. Cuba (3-2) will play Dominican Republic (2-2) for bronze.

Despite a tentative start for the Canadians, which led to a first-set loss, the team came back in what was an exciting battle for both teams. Canada led in attacks (66-54) and aces (9-6). The teams were tied in blocks (12-12). Cuba scored 30 points on Canada’s errors and gave up 20.

“I am very proud of our players,” said Canada’s head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo, who explained that his players showed a lot of character after a “tense” start. “With Cuba, if we go power against power, they are stronger. I am very proud of the guys that we found our balance and we started to attack well and smart.”

Canadian outside hitter Stephen Maar led all scorers with 28 points on a match-high 25 kills, two blocks and one ace. Opposite Arthur Szwarc added 22 points on 18 kills, one block and three aces.

Opposite Jesus Herrera led Cuba with 18 points on 14 attacks, two blocks and two aces. Outside hitter Marlon Yant totaled 16 points on 14 spikes and two blocks.

Middle blocker Danny Demyanenko had a match-high five blocks for Canada. Canada’s libero Justin Lui was credited with 12 digs and 11 excellent receptions.
 
Viewing guide:

• Schedule, results, stats & photos: https://bit.ly/3P3uaAT
• Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/@VolleyballSource

 
Team Canada (men):
Nicholas Hoag, Sherbrooke, QC
Stephen Maar, Aurora, ON
Lucas Van Berkel, Edmonton, AB
Arthur Szwarc, Toronto, ON
Eric Loeppky, Steinbach, MB
Danny Demyanenko, Toronto, ON
Brett Walsh, Calgary, AB
Samuel Cooper, Hamilton, ON
Pearson Eshenko, Banff, AB
Jordan Schnitzer, Surrey, BC
Jordan Canham, Avonmore, ON
Luke Herr, Winnipeg, MB
Justin Lui, Pickering, ON
Landon Currie, Vernon, BC

Head coach: Tuomas Sammelvuo

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676

Photo and info: NORCECA