Volleyball Canada – Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, June 17, 2016 – Canada kicked off its 2016 FIVB World League Group 2 race with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-21) victory over China.
 
This is the two teams’ first international match since they met recently at the World Olympic Qualification event in Japan when Canada defeated China 3-2, ending the Asian country’s hopes of an Olympic berth.  Canada secured a spot at the 2016 Games for the first time since 1992. 
 
“We are happy to get the win over China,” said acting head coach Larry McKay. “Our Canadian players did a good job in handling the Chinese serves and their attacks. It was an entire team performance – all players contributed to the result. Our thoughts are now on the next match against Egypt.”

Canada dominated the first set, leading 16-12 at the second TTO, and closing at 25-18. The second set started more even, leveling at 8-8, but Canada kept its composure throughout the rest of the set and match.
 
Graham Vigrass was Canada’s top scorer with 15 points, followed by Steve Marshall with 12.  
 
Canada’s head coach, Glenn Hoag, decided to rest a few of the players who played during the Olympic qualifier in preparation for next week’s World League matches on home turf in Saskatoon, Sask.  
 
“It was a good way to start World League,” said Canada’s captain Fred Winters. “We have a couple of new players in, and they proved they can play at a high level.”
 
Schedule

Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.  Matches will be live streamed in Canada on www.cbc.ca – check local listings for times in your area.
(http://www.cbc.ca/sports/broadcast)

• June 17, 7.00pm: China vs Canada  0-3
• June 18, 3.10pm: Canada vs Egypt (9 am Eastern)
• June 19, 6.00pm: Canada vs Czech Republic (Noon Eastern) 

Canadian Roster:
TJ Sanders, London, ON
Jay Blankenau, Sherwood Park, AB
Rudy Verhoeff, Calgary, AB
Justin Duff, Winnipeg, MB
Adam Simac, Ottawa, ON
Toon Van Lankvelt, Rivers, MB
Daniel Jansen Van Doorn, Langley, BC
Fred Winters, Victoria, BC
Blair Bann, Edmonton, AB
Graham Vigrass, Calgary, AB
Stephen Maar, Aurora, ON
Steven Marshall, Abbotsford, BC
Brett Walsh, Calgary, AB
 
Staff :
Julien Boucher – Team Manager
Larry McKay – Acting Head Coach 
Vincent Pichette – Asst. Coach 
Murat Haktanir – Statistician 
Jean-Sebastien Hartell – Therapist 
 

Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
E-mail: jskender@volleyball.ca
Phone: 613.794.7676