June 22, 2023:  A solid team effort contributed to Canada’s 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20) win today over Bulgaria at Volleyball Nations League in Orleans, France.

The win was important as Bulgaria is also a VNL challenger team that could face relegation for finishing last among these countries.

"This was a very, very important victory,” said Canada's head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo. "It gives us confidence. Of course, there are still areas where we need to improve, but today we had improved in our attacking and were more efficient. We still must play better in block and defense (Bulgaria had 11 block points; compared with Canada’s seven).
 
“What I liked is how we handled those moments when we were leading. We had some leadership on the court to stay calm and focus on the next rally. How we handle these moments is an important part of our path....  We all know this victory is important, but our focus is on getting better!”
 
Outside hitter Stephen Maar (Aurora, ON) was the top scorer of the match with 16 points, including an ace and a block. Middle blocker Danny Demyanenko (Toronto, ON) had three aces and two kill blocks towards a 15-point total. Opposite Arthur Szwarc of Toronto also finished with 15 (two aces, one block).
 
Up-and-comer Aleksandar Nikolov of Bulgaria was that team’s top scorer with 15 points.
 
View all match stats here: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/schedule/16175/
 
Standings: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2023/standings/men/
 
Canada now has two VNL 2023 wins, and faces France on Saturday.

Matches are streamed online at www.cbcsports.ca
 
Canada’s week 2 men’s roster:
 
1 – Pearson Eshenko, Banff, AB
2 – Luke Herr, Winnipeg, MB
4 – Nicholas Hoag, Sherbrooke, QC
5 – Brodie Hofer, Langley, BC
6 – Danny Demyanenko, Toronto, ON
7 – Stephen Maar, Aurora, ON
8 – Brett Walsh, Calgary, AB
10 – Ryan Sclater, Port Coquitlam, BC
12 – Lucas Van Berkel, Edmonton, AB
13 – Samuel Cooper, Hamilton, ON
14 – Arthur Szwarc. Toronto, ON
18 – Justin Lui, Pickering, ON
97 – Landon Currie, Vernon, BC
99 – Mathias Elser, Calgary, AB
 
Results week 2:
JPN - CAN 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 24-26, 25-14)
SLO - CAN 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-14)
CAN - BUL 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20)

Results week 1 

CAN - CUB 3-2 (25-21, 26-28, 25-21, 22-25, 15-13)
CAN - ARG 1-3 (21-25, 25-21, 21-25,16-25)
CAN - USA  0-3 (22-25, 20-25, 20-25)
CAN - GER 1-3  (25-20, 17-25, 21-25, 21-25)
Photo: VolleyballWorld

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