Canada is a hockey country. We all know it. But if you’ve been paying attention to the hardcourt lately, you’ll see something shifted. The Canada national men's volleyball team isn't just showing up to international tournaments anymore; they are genuinely scaring the traditional powerhouses.
They play a brand of volleyball that is fast, gritty, and—honestly—a bit exhausting to watch if you’re the opponent. It’s a mix of massive serves and a "never-say-die" defensive attitude.
The Underdog Status is Dead
For years, Canada was the team that might pull an upset but wouldn't consistently threaten the podium. That changed. As of early 2026, the team holds a respectable World Ranking of 9th, according to FIVB data. They aren't just sitting in the top ten; they are actively pushing for more.
Look at the 2025 Men's Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines. Canada pulled off a shocker by sweeping Japan 3-0 in the group stage. Japan is a tactical titan, yet the Canadians out-blocked them 10 to 2. It was a statement. Sharone Vernon-Evans, often called "Sho" by teammates, hammered 14 points in that match alone.
Captain Nick Hoag has been the glue. He’s a third-generation Olympian (his dad Glenn played in the '84 Games), and that lineage shows in his composure. During that 2025 run, Hoag was hitting at a 60% success rate. That’s elite. It’s not just luck; it’s a system built on high-repetition training in Gatineau.
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The New Blood: Transitioning After Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympics were a bit of a bittersweet chapter. Canada fought hard but finished 10th. However, the silver lining was the emergence of guys like Eric Loeppky and Xander Ketrzynski.
Loeppky is basically a human highlight reel. His serve is one of the heaviest in the NORCECA zone.
But what happens now? The team is in a massive transition phase.
- Head Coach Dan Lewis has taken the reins with a clear focus on the 2028 Los Angeles cycle.
- Older veterans are stepping back, and the National Excellence Program (NEP) is being used to fast-track U19 and U21 talent directly into the senior environment.
- In late 2025, the team finished 14th at the World Championship after a tough Round of 16 loss, but the roster was noticeably younger than the one we saw in Paris.
The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 saw a 12th-place finish. While that might look like a step back on paper, they beat Ukraine 3-1 in a high-stakes match to close the campaign. Skyler Varga exploded for 27 points in that game.
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Basically, the depth is there. It’s just about consistency.
Why the 2026 Season Matters
If you are a fan, 2026 is the year to jump back in. Canada is hosting key rounds of the Volleyball Nations League. Playing at home—likely in Quebec City or Ottawa—gives these guys a massive boost. There is nothing quite like a Canadian crowd when the team is on a blocking run.
The 2026 schedule is packed with regional qualifiers and the lead-up to the next World Championship. The goal is simple: get back into the top 7 globally. To do that, the "NextGen" players like Jordan Canham and Fynn McCarthy (the current captain for many VNL legs) have to prove they can handle the pressure of five-set marathons against teams like Poland or Brazil.
What Most People Get Wrong About Team Canada
People think the team relies solely on height. Sure, having a 6'10" middle blocker helps. But the real secret is the libero play. Justin Lui and Landon Currie have been phenomenal at keeping the ball off the floor.
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Canadian volleyball is built on "transition points." They might not have the raw vertical of the Cubans, but they are smarter with the block-out and the tip.
"The fight in the guys—you could just feel it from the start," Sharone Vernon-Evans told reporters after the Japan win. That "fight" is the Canadian identity. They are the team no one wants to see in their pool.
How to Follow the Journey
Watching the Canada national men's volleyball team requires a bit of effort because of time zones, but it’s worth it.
- Get a VBTV Subscription: This is where almost all VNL and World Championship matches are streamed. It’s the only way to see the away games in Europe and Asia.
- Follow Volleyball Canada’s Socials: They are surprisingly good at behind-the-scenes content. It’s the best way to see which young players are getting called up for the next "bubble" tournament.
- Attend a Domestic Match: If a VNL leg comes to your city, go. The speed of the game in person is vastly different from what you see on a screen. The sound of a 120 km/h serve hitting a floor is something you don't forget.
The road to LA 2028 has already started. The roster you see today will be the veteran core by then. If they can maintain their top-10 ranking through 2026, they’ll be in a prime position for an Olympic seed that actually gives them a shot at a medal, not just a quarterfinal exit.