Canada grow in depth as new generation bolsters VNL campaign

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 21, 2026.- The Canadian men’s national team have progressively broadened their player base over the past few seasons, creating a deeper national squad capable of competing across a long international calendar. 

The emergence of several younger players alongside an established core group has given the programme greater flexibility, an important factor as the team continues its journey in the Volleyball Nations League.

Part of that development reflects support provided through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme. From 2024 to 2026, Volleyball Canada has received USD 168,000 in application-based support dedicated to the men’s volleyball programme. The funding covers the position of NextGen head coach Dave Preston, whose work focuses on developing emerging athletes and strengthening the pathway between Canada’s junior system and the senior national team.

Earlier Empowerment assistance also helped reinforce the programme’s training environment. In 2021, Volleyball Canada received USD 75,000 in equipment support jointly for the men’s and women’s national teams, improving preparation conditions and supporting daily training activities for both programmes.

Canada used the 2025 international season to continue integrating younger players into the senior squad.

In the VNL preliminary round, the team finished 13th with five wins and seven losses while giving valuable opportunities to several emerging athletes. The campaign included a five-set opening victory over Germany in Quebec City, straight-set wins against the Netherlands and China, and a closing 3-1 victory over Ukraine, with outside hitter Skyler Varga producing a standout 27-point performance in the final match.

Later in the year, Canada competed at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines. Playing in Pool G in Manila, the team finished second in the group after victories over Japan and Libya before advancing to the Round of 16. Their run ended with a four-set defeat to Poland, but Canada still finished in the top half of the 32-team field.

Several players from the emerging generation have begun to establish themselves within the national team environment. Outside hitter Brodie Hofer has taken on an increasingly prominent role in attack, finishing as Canada’s top scorer in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League.

As younger players continue to gain experience at the highest level, Canada now have a broader roster that offers greater options across positions and strengthens the team’s competitiveness against the world’s leading sides.

Canada’s 2026 VNL campaign will begin on home soil in Ottawa from 10 to 14 June, where they will face the United States, Türkiye, Germany and reigning Olympic champions France.

The second week of competition will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 24 to 28 June, where Canada will compete alongside Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Brazil.

The preliminary phase concludes in Osaka, Japan, from 15 to 19 July, where Canada are grouped with Japan, Argentina, Belgium and Cuba before the tournament moves to the Finals in Ningbo Beilun, China, from 29 July to 2 August.