Female Development Coach of the Year: Lorraine Facca, Storm VBC

• Lorraine started coaching while her daughter Louise first entered the OVA competitive stream.
• Lorraine values true sport and fair play and focuses on these two values in her every day practice and game play situation.
• Lorraine coached her 17U Girls B team and then moved with them for their 18U season. At 17U, they played equal playing time and everyone was happy and learned a lot from her and her co-coach Don Morton. In the second year with the girls, Lorraine asked them if they wanted to play equal playing time again and the vote was unanimous “yes”.  Lorraine decided that the team would play this way all season long, to further develop the girls playing skills. They played that way all season, including at the Ontario Championships where they not only had a great time, but they finished 2nd in Division 2 Tier 1!
• On top of her team coaching duties, Lorraine also runs Setters Clinics for the Storms younger athletes throughout certain stages of the season to further hone their skills.

Male Development Coach of the Year: Paul Langan – Hespeler Scorpions VBC

• For over 17 years, Paul has helped with various sports organizations in a variety of functions.  In 2010, his goal was simple when he started the Hespeler Scorpions Volleyball Club – get kids off the computer and have them physically active playing volleyball in a fun, safe, affordable environment.
• His MONSTER and SPIKES programs, are a fun way to teach young people about volleyball.   The clubs purpose is simple, to provide community based learning to young people about volleyball.
• The Scorpions follow and support the Volleyball Canada Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model and they use parents, local competitive high school and university players who are trained by OVA staff to help run their programs.
• In their first year of existence, the success of the program has been remarkable:
  • Their Grade 7/8 co-ed Developmental House League Program was the largest in the Waterloo Region, with plans to expand it to include Grade 9 in 2012.
  • Their OVA SPIKES Learn to Play Program was the largest program in Ontario – they had over 200 children playing in their house league!
• Their U15 competitive girl’s teams won four tournament medals including a OVA Provincial Division 2 Tier 1 Silver Medal in their first year.
• In the summer of 2011, the Scorpions delivered two camps for indoor and beach volleyball and have seven of their teams participating in the OVA Beach Tour circuit.  Their goal is to have a development program in place for the general public in 2012.
• On top of indoor and beach volleyball, Paul recognizes the importance of inclusiveness and is currently working with the OVA staff to deliver one of the first sitting volleyball house league programs in the province of Ontario.

Female Coach of the Year: Laura Inward

• She started her involvement with the Ontario Beach Provincial program in the summer of 2007 and continued through 2008 and 2009.
• In 2009, Laura was the Head Coach for Team Ontario at the Canada Games in Prince Edward Island. Her team of Caleigh Whitaker and Dianne Burrows won the bronze medal after a summer of consistent results and improvement. Whitaker is now a national team athlete within our beach program and Laura continues to serve as a mentor and trusted confidant as she continues her pursuit of sporting excellence.
• Laura coached, mentored and guided her team of Charlotte Sider and Alexandra Hudson to a 9th place finish at the FIVB World Junior Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2011. Earlier in the summer she coached them to become U21 Provincial champions as well as U21 National champions.
  • These accomplishments in and of themselves are truly outstanding, but when one considers that Charlotte Sider was competing in Beach Volleyball for her first summer of competition, these feats really speak to Laura’s role as coach, mentor and friend.
• Laura has developed a unique holistic approach to coaching and mentoring young female athletes that makes her a positive role within our volleyball community. Laura considers the whole individual before developing an integrated program of physical training, mental preparation and emotional control. Her compassionate, understanding nature allows her to connect with her young female athletes and develop a relationship of trust and respect that fosters a productive learning environment.
• When Laura is not on the beach she is never far from the game she loves. During the indoor season, she volunteers her time at the University of Toronto as an assistant coach under the tutelage of Kristine Drakich. Laura is a former Varsity Blue herself and giving back to the program is another way that she positively affects the young women she coaches.
• As a mother of two young boys aged 3 and 7, Laura has proven to be a tireless and committed coach and mentor to the young women she takes under her care. The passion and compassion she has exhibited in her role makes her an incredibly positive role model.

Male Coach of the Year: Rob Fernley, Defensa

• Rob Fernley is the head of Defensa VBC and acted as the Head Coach between two teams in the past 2010/2011 season.
• Since the club began four years ago, Defensa teams have consistently competed in provincial championship matches and earned top place finishes across Ontario, Canada and in several tournaments in the United States. Some of their team highlights include:
  • Both teams winning the national championships
  • 18U won the provincial championships
  • 16U earned bronze at provincials
  • Both teams earned medals at all of the OVA tournaments throughout the season
• His coaching abilities have helped his players achieve:
  • 2 Defensa players receive the title of National MVP’s at the 2011 National Championship in the 18U and 16U division
  • For the past three years, consistently 2 or more Defensa players (in both 18U and 16U) recognized as OVA All-Stars at the Provincial Championship
  • Three players (one 18U and two 16U) received All-Star recognition at the 2011 National Championships
  • One player won the Evelyn Hollick Award at the 2011 Provincial Championships
  • 10 Defensa players to made the Provincial team in the past two years, where both times the MVP recipient of the NTCC was a member of Defensa
  • 6 players are members of the Provincial Beach volleyball team
  • An 18U player made the National B Team
• Outside of Defensa, Fernley:
  • Coaches the boys volleyball team at the local high school (Assumption SS in Burlington, ON)
  • Encourages athletes to train in the ADP development program for indoor and beach (ADP, Regionals, HPC and the Provincial Team) and organizes workshops for athletes to train at a higher level.

The 2011 Recognition Award recipients are:

Chris Dunn – Durham Attack VBC

• He is presently a coach with the Durham Attack Volleyball Club and prior to that a member of the DRVC program.  He has worked with a number of age groups, but devoted much of his energy to building strong U13 and U14 programs, emphasizing the development of strong basic skills.  As both a teacher and club coach, he takes pride in developing athletes and providing them with the foundation for future success.
• In his years with the Durham Attack Volleyball Club, Chris has worked diligently to improve the experience for all athletes in our club.  It was his leadership that lead to a more “athlete friendly” tryout experience, encouraging all coaches to make individual contact with athletes and assist them in their growth with more contact and feedback.

Lorraine Facca  – Storm VBC

• Lorraine has been involved with Region 5 in some capacity, where she currently stands as the Secretary/Treasurer for the past 15+ years and is still active in volleyball
• During the 2010/11 OVA season, Lorraine made her way out of the gym to a board room, where she worked closely with the OVA’s Strategic Planning Committee to deliver the 2011-2015 OVA Strategic Plan
• In May 2011, tragedy struck the Facca family when Lorraine’s husband, Adrian Facca lost his battle with cancer. In his memory, Lorraine has spearheaded the Adrian Facca Leadership Fund to provide financial support to the Dalhousie University student-athletes on the men’s hockey and women’s volleyball teams.  The Adrian Facca Leadership Fund is an outstanding contribution towards the development of future leaders through varsity hockey, volleyball and scholastics at Dalhousie University.

Lawrence Flynn – Durham Attack VBC

• Presently he is the lead coach for the U14 boy’s team, but he has worked with a number of age groups, both as an assistant and a head coach.
• Lawrence joined Durham Attack when his son was an athlete, but has remained long after his son has left the sport.  He is eager to share his love of volleyball with others, but also embraces the opportunity to learn more about coaching and developing his skill.
• Lawrence is an ambassador for sitting volleyball and has been an inspiration to our club.  He has exposed our young athletes to another aspect of their sport and has encouraged partnerships between our club and the National team program.  His desire to have athletes of all abilities playing and enjoying volleyball together has been instrumental in our club’s recent grant and inclusion of sitting volleyball in our recreational programs.

Howie Grossinger – Storm VBC

• Howie has been coaching his OVA team, Storm Avalanche since they started in 2006 and have had  a very impressive track record:
  • In 2006, 12U Team winning the Ontario Championships
  • In 2008. won the 14U West Nationals
  • In 2009. Placed 3rd at 15U West Nationals
  • In 2010, placed 2nd at 16U West Nationals
  • In 2011, won gold at the 17U Nationals
• On top of OVA accomplishments, Howie is the owner of Camp Robinhood – a day a sports camps where children can further develop their athletic skills by selecting from a variety of sports that are offered each session and is owner of Madawaska Camp.

Ish Joseph, B-Fitt Thunderbolts

• Ish Joseph has had a long and very successful history of volunteer involvement and coaching, as well as promoting the sport of volleyball, both at the grassroots level, and the competitive OVA level.
• Ish is a well-known leader in the community who has often been lauded for championing no-cost programming for at-risk youth. He has worked with the Toronto Police Services to establish programs in areas plagued by violent crimes. For many of those young people, Ish’s programs have been their lifeline, helping them to stay positive, focused and hopeful about the future. He continues to be dedicated to helping youth empower themselves to make positive choices and become leaders in the community.
• Ish has coached the B-Fitt Thunderbolts 18U Boys team, 18U Girls Toronto Diamonds VB, has been the Elite training coach for the Scarborough Falcons VBC and Scarborough Titans VBC, and worked with Region 5 Beach teams since 1997

Denise Klenk

• Denise is a level 3 regional official and she currently works as an assignor for R5 for OVA youth indoor events and also assigns officials for the entire OVA Beach Tour each summer
• Denise is a respected official in both the indoor and beach game by both athletes and officials alike.
• Denise is also a mentor for young officials looking to upgrade their badge level – for indoor and beach officiating programs and is a role model for those involved in the sport of volleyball

Dave McAllister

• Provincial Men’s Team Head Coach 2011 & 2010
• Former Region 5 boys head coach
• High school coach at Rick Hansen  and won the OFSAA Leadership in School Sport Award in 2010
• Current Head Coach Sheridan College and a former Assistant Coach McMaster

Arif Nathoo - Eclipse

• A two time OUA Coach of the Year, Arif has been the head coach at York University and led the York Lions to 2009 OUA Provincial Championship. Prior to that, Arif coached at Ryerson University where he led the team to their first ever OUA playoff appearance, their first ever OUA medal and led Ryerson University to its only appearance at a CIS Volleyball championship.
• In the summer of 2009, Arif led the 2009 Ontario Provincial team to a silver medal at the Canada Games.
• In 2007, Arif coached the Ontario Provincial Team to a bronze medal at the National Tournament, and in 2005, coached the Region 5 team to a gold medal at the Ontario Regional Games.
• With the younger athletes, Arif was head coach of the Durham Attack 14U team and during the 2009-2010 season, Arif led the 14U team to an impressive season culmination with an OVA Ontario Provincial Championship and to a silver at the Canadian National East tournament.
• He continued coaching a young group of girls, and in 2011, won the Ontario Championships and Canadian National West Championship banners.
• Arif is a fully certified Level 3 Coach and promotes volleyball both within the Ismaili community and outside their community.

Karen Pak – Toronto Premier Youth VBC

• Karen has been involved with Team Ontario Beach as assistant coach between 2007-2009 and attended the U19 World Championships as an Assistant Beach Coach between 2009 and 2010.
• In 2011, Karen began the Toronto Premier Youth Volleyball Club running a 14U Girls team
• Outside of the OVA stream, Karen is a teacher and coach at Victoria Park CI and in 2010, she started the first ever annual Toronto District School Board Beach Volleyball Tournament. In 2011, she brought 81 junior and senior boys and girls beach teams down to Ashbridges Bay to compete in her day long tournament.

Mike  Richardson – Durham Attack VBC

• Mike is a coach with the Durham Attack Volleyball Club, working with the girl’s and boy’s programs, offering to assist or head coach if needed and has also worked with the Region Four Boys Summer Games program as an assistant coach.
• He is an eager participant in all coaching development session, embracing new opportunities to learn from others.
• For Mike, the needs of the athletes comes first and it is this belief that has seen him take on a variety of different coaching roles, all in order to better meet the needs of the athletes.
• Mike is always willing to lend a hand and assist wherever he is needed.    Mike is willing to volunteer to improve the club, assuming more than coaching roles if that is what is needed.

Meghan Boyle – MVC

• Meghan coaches at Mountain Volleyball Club in Hamilton, ON. She is currently the assistant coach with the 15U Girls team.

Linda Naccarato – Durham Attack VBC

• Linda is presently an assistant coach with the Durham Attack Volleyball Club at the U14 level, but she has worked with a number of age groups, both as an assistant and a head coach.
• Linda has stepped forward on a number of occasions to offer her services so that there will be teams for athletes to play.  She has carried this same attitude into the public school setting, working as a parent-coach, so that teams could be created at both the elementary and secondary level.
• She has mentored a number of young coaches, providing valuable leadership and a positive role model for their coaching development.  She is a constant positive source of inspiration and her desire to help athletes develop is evident in everything she does.

Rob Piccione - Durham Attack VBC

• Rob is presently a coach with the Durham Attack Volleyball Club and prior to that a member of the Titans program.  He has worked with a number of age groups, but devoted much of his energy to building strong U14 and U15 programs, emphasizing the development of strong basic skills.  As both a teacher and club coach, he takes pride in developing athletes and providing them with the foundation for future success.
• He has coaching certification in both the indoor and the beach programs and is committed to LTAD, working collaboratively with other coaches to develop more successful programs.
• He has mentored a number of young coaches, providing valuable leadership and a positive role model for their coaching development.

When Paul Langan learned that his daughter Katie would have to commute from Cambridge to Kitchener to play volleyball, he wondered why there weren’t programs in their neck of the woods.

Instead of just wondering why, Langan decided to do something about it.

Well, be careful what you wish for.

Langan launched the Hespeler Scorpions volleyball club in 2010, and in just its second year of existence, the club boasts 250 members representing almost every school in Cambridge.

“I had a five-year plan that was blown away after three months,” says Langan. “I just wanted to get kids off the couch and onto the court.”

The Scorpions field three competitive teams: under-13, under-15 and under-16 girls. But that’s not the yardstick Langan uses to measure the club’s success.

“A lot of other programs are based on how many competitive teams they field,” he says. “My philosophy has always been to have a huge bottom of the pyramid and see where it goes from there.”

Word of mouth has extended the Scorpions’ reach to 47 schools, with only three Cambridge schools that don’t have athletes represented.

Another priority for the Scorpions is to keep participation affordable for families of all means. None of the programs cost more than $100, and most are in the $50 to $75 dollar range. Some are free.

The size of the Scorpions club has allowed Langan to introduce new types of programs, such as sitting volleyball. This version of the sport – where the athletes play from a seated position on the floor – is designed for people with disabilities, but able-bodied players can join in as well.

“What I like about sitting volleyball is that it’s inclusive,” says Langan, 54, who works as a laboratory safety inspector for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. “Able-bodied athletes and ones with disabilities can compete on a level playing field. Height and weight don’t matter.”

The Scorpions have programs for kids in Grade 3 and up as well as an extensive beach volleyball offering along with other summer activities.

Other than managing the logistics of the quickly expanding club, Langan’s biggest challenge has been finding qualified coaches.

“It’s not like hockey where everyone knows the sport and can walk in and coach,” Langan says. He would know, as a two-decade veteran of the Hespeler Minor Hockey system. “Good volleyball coaches are hard to find.”

For witnesses to the success of the Scorpions program, look no further than the Gallant family; the Gallants have three girls on the competitive teams and five kids involved at one time or another.

Fifteen-year-old Brooklyn is on the U-16 team, while twins Haley and Kayla, 12, are on the U-13 squad. Alexis, 16, was on the U-16 team last year, and now helps Langan coach the Spikes house league for kids in Grades 5 to 8. Youngest sibling Travis, 9, has been involved in the summer programs.

“What’s really cool to see is people of all ages enjoying volleyball, boys and girls,” says Alexis.

“The coaches make it all about having fun,” says Brooklyn, who has also had an opportunity to work with the Conestoga College Condors team. “Everyone knows each other with the Scorpions.”

Emmaly Martin, 13, is involved in the Scorpions house league, only because the club doesn’t have an U-14 team this year. But her love of the sport has inspired her to try out for her school team.

“We don’t have set positions in house league, but my favourite is setter,” she says. “I love the anticipation of when the other team has the ball.”

“Emmaly never wanted to play team sports, until now,” says her mother Nancy. “Now she really wants to get on a travel team. The kids have a ton of fun and they’re learning so much.”

If that pyramid that Langan talks about keeps growing, expect big things from the Scorpions in the coming years.

Story by Peter Brown for TheRecord.com

Austin Hinchey of Edmonton scored 14 points and Jose Rebelo of St-Hubert, Que., launched six service aces as Canada defeated Colombia 25-13, 25-12, 25-16 to win the bronze medal on Friday in men’s sitting volleyball at the ParaPan American Games.

Canada also won the bronze at the 2007 Games in Rio

“This is my first international medal,” said Hinchey, the team captain. “I’m really pumped. The team has come a long way in the last while and I expect we will be in the hunt for gold in Toronto for the 2015 Games.”

Strong serving and minimal errors helped Canada to the victory.

“The team responded well from yesterday’s loss ( to Brazil in the semifinal),” added head coach Ian Halliday of Calgary. “It’s not always easy to come back and play a bronze medal game. This will likely be the last game for some of our players and we just wanted to play for us. We knew what we were getting in Colombia and wanted to just focus on our game.”

The gold medal match between the U.S., and Brazil was held later Friday.

Story from the Volleyball Canada Website | Volleyball.ca

The Canadians will play for the bronze medal on Friday against the loser of the semifinal between the U.S. and Colombia held later Thursday. The gold medalist earns a ticket to next year’s Paralympics in London.

Greg Stewart of Kamloops, B.C., led the Canadian attack with nine points.

“We were not mentally prepared to play a semi-final match today at this level and be successful,” said Canada’s head coach Ian Halliday. “While we were physically prepared and had some confidence from our successes yesterday, we just weren’t prepared to compete against a team with the passion of Brazil.”

Brazil jumped out to an early 8-2 lead in the first quarter in front of a flamboyant crowd at the Pan Para Pan American Volleyball Complex. Brazil continued its sharp attack in the set and continued to build on their lead going up 13-4. Canada rallied late in the quarter on the strength of some long rallies to make the final score 25-9, but could simply not overcome their 16 errors in the frame.

Brazil also had a fast start in the second set, going up 5-2 before Canada forced a pair of Brazilian errors to bring themselves to within one-point (5-4). However, unforced turovers continued to hurt the Canadians who once again committed 16 errors frame, falling 25-8.

In the third set started as a much closer affair with a strong kill by Larry Mathews (Edmonton, AB) tying the game at four. However, Brazil then reeled off four straight points due to strong defense leading to transitional scores. Canada limited its errors in the set to five but continued to struggle to score points. Captain Austin Hinchey (Edmonton, AB) stroked an ace to make the score 19-10 but that was as close as Canada would come as they fell in the final frame 25-13.

Story from the Volleyball Canada Website | Volleyball.ca

Greg Stewart of Kamloops, B.C., scored 16 points to lead Canada to a 25-16, 25-17, 25-13 victory over Mexico on Tuesday in round robin action in men’s sitting volleyball at the ParaPan American Games for athletes with a disability.

With the win, the Canadians improve to two wins and a loss and are tied in second place with Brazil behind the U.S., currently first at 3-0.

Jose Rebelo of St-Hubert, Que., added nine points including five on service aces and Mikael Bartholdy of Calgary six.

Earlier Tuesday the Canadians lost 26-17, 20-25, 25-15, 25-23 to the U.S.

The Americans are one of Canada’s biggest rivals in sitting volleyball, and a team they know well, having recently spent 10 days training with them in preparation for the Games.

“Anytime we play the U.S. it’s a big match for us, and it took us awhile to get settled in,” said Canada’s head coach Ian Halliday.

Stewart and Larry Matthews of St. Albert, Alta., led Canada with 10 points each.

In other matches Tuesday, Brazil posted two wins beating both Colombia and Costa Rica in straight sets. Mexico started its day with a 26-24, 25-22, 26-24 win over Colombia.

Canada concludes round robin play Wednesday against Costa Rica and Brazil. The top four advance to the semifinals on Thursday with the medal matches set for Friday.

Story from the Volleyball Canada Website | Volleyball.ca

The winner of this week’s competition earns a ticket to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Douglas Learoyd of Calgary led the Canadian attack with nine points while Jose Rebelo of St-Hubert, Que., added seven.

“It was a good start to the tournament,’’ said Canada’s head coach Ian Halliday of Calgary. ‘’It was an opportunity for everyone to contribute and although it wasn’t our cleanest match in terms of execution, we were able to find a way to win and move forward.’’

In other matches Monday, the U.S., won twice edging Brazil 15-25, 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 15-13 and beating Mexico 25-13, 25-11, 25-17. Costa Rica defeated Mexico 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-23.

Canada plays twice on Tuesday with matches against the U.S., and Mexico.

Canadian team roster:
Jason Naval, Toronto, ON
Mikael Bartholdy – Calgary, AB
Austin Hinchey – Edmonton, AB
Larry Matthews – St. Albert,AB
Bradley Quast – Edmonton, AB
Chad Drummond – Edmonton, AB
Douglas Learoyd – Calgary, AB
Eric Dechaine – St. Lina, AB
José Rebelo – St. Hubert, QC
Gregory Stewart – Kamloops, BC
David Marchand – St. Albert, AB

Staff:
Kerry MacDonald – Calgary, AB
Ian Halliday – Calgary, AB
Raymond Sewell – Calgary, AB
Hilary Beck – Calgary, AB

Story from the Volleyball Canada Website | Volleyball.ca

“I think we are playing as a team much more consistently than in the past,” said Canadian team captain Austin Hinchey of Edmonton. “We have been building for this tournament since the worlds and I am excited to get started.”

Along with Hinchey other players on the team from Alberta are Bradley Quast and Chad Drummond, also from Edmonton, Larry Matthews and David Marchand of St. Albert, Mikael Bartholdy and Douglas Learoyd of Calgary and Eric Dechaine of St. Lina.

Other team members are Jason Naval of Toronto, Jose Rebelo of St-Hubert, Que., and Gregory Stewart of Kamloops, B.C. Bartholdy, Learoyd, Dechaine, and Rebelo are the most experienced players on the team with 42 international matches each on their resume.

“This is a great opportunity for our team and this program to measure ourselves against some of the top teams in our zone,” said Canada’s head coach Ian Halliday of Calgary. “Two years ago, we had identified these Games as our target competition and since then we have been working hard to achieve our goals at this event.”

Canada has a busy schedule with five round robin matches in three days. The tournament starts Monday (November 14) with Canada against Colombia, on Tuesday the Canadians face the U.S., and Mexico and on Wednesday Brazil and Costa Rica.

The top four advance to the semifinals on Thursday November 17 with the medal matches set for November 18.

“Although the core group of athletes has been consistent and will be counted on to provide leadership and experience, our success will be dependent on the contributions of all eleven athletes,” added Halliday. “With five round robin matches in three days, our ability to stay healthy and focused will be important.”

Brazil is ranked fifth in the world, the U.S., 12th and the Canadians 19th. The other three countries are not ranked.

Story from the Volleyball Canada Website | Volleyball.ca

SAO PAULO, Brazil (October 1, 2011)– Allison Lang of Edmonton scored 14 points to lead Canada to a straight sets (3-0) victory over Colombia for the bronze medal on Saturday night at the Pan Am Championships in women’s sitting volleyball.

The U.S., took the gold medal match over Brazil 25-13, 25-13, 25-15. Brazil grabbed the last berth for the 2012 Paralympic Games by advancing to the final against the Americans. The U.S., had gained its Paralympic berth this past summer with a silver at the world championships.

Amber Skyrpan of Edmonton and Leaha Hickman of Lashburn, Sask., added 12 and 10 points apiece for the Canadians who completed the tournament with a 2-3 overall record.

‘’We played a great serving and blocking game against Columbia,’’ said Canadian team captain Danielle Ellis of Surrey, B.C., who was named the top defensive player of the tournament.

‘’We made huge strides, both as individuals and as a team in the past year.  We managed to close the gap between us and the top teams in our zone and the world. We have the capability and this experience was what we needed to be able to compete at the next level.”

Canada fielded a 10-member team with three members from Alberta: Allison Lang, Amber Skyrpan and Jolan Brunner, all of Edmonton. Danielle Ellis and Jordan Funnell are both from Surrey, B.C.; Karen McKoy and Chantal Beauchesne, both of Ottawa.Manitoba had two players: Emerald Kehler of MacGregor and Leanne Muldrew of Winnipeg. Leaha Hickman of Lashburn, Sask., rounded out the squad.

Dusty Freimark of Edmonton is the head coach and Janna Dubyk of Edmonton, the assistant.

Story from volleyball.ca

Danielle Ellis of Surrey, B.C., and Leah Hickman of Lashburn, Sask., were the top Canadian scorers with 12 points each.

“Despite a slow start we had one of our most consistent matches to date,’’ said Canada’s head coach Dusty Freimark of Edmonton. ‘’The U.S., is the number-two team in the world and we were able to compete with them for the second and third sets.  That type of match has prepared us well for our match tomorrow (Thursday) against Brazil”.

While this is Canada’s last chance to qualify for the Paralympics, Freimark wants to see Canada close the gap on the other top nations.

“This is a great opportunity for us to evaluate if all of the training we have been doing was enough,”’ Freimark said.  “Obviously there is a Paralympic birth available but we need to focus on the process and not get too fixated on the potential outcome.”

Brazil and Colombia are the other two countries entered in the tournament.

Canada is fielding a 10-member team with three members from Alberta: Allison Lang, Amber Skyrpan and Jolan Brunner, all of Edmonton. Danielle Ellis and Jordan Funnell are both from Surrey, B.C.; Karen McKoy and Chantal Beauchesne, both of Ottawa.

Manitoba has two players: Emerald Kehler of MacGregor and Leanne Muldrew of Winnipeg. Leaha Hickman of Lashburn, Sask., rounds out the squad.

Dusty Freimark of Edmonton is the head coach and Janna Dubyk of Edmonton, the assistant.

Canadian Team Schedule:

Wednesday, September 28th
2:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies
5:00 PM – Canada Vs. USA

Thursday, September 29th
11:00 AM – Canada Vs. Brazil
6:00 PM – Canada Vs. Columbia

Friday, September 30th
6:00 PM – Semi Final #1
8:00 PM – Semi Final #2

Saturday, October 1st
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Practice
1:00 PM – Bronze Medal Match
3:00 PM – Gold Medal Match

Story from the Volleyball Canada Website | Volleyball.ca