SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 21, 2024:  Canada defeated the United States 3-1 (26-24, 26-24, 26-28, 25-19), in the gold-medal match of the NORCECA Men's Pan American Volleyball Cup on Sunday in Santo Domingo.

This was the NextGen men’s team second Pan Am title in a row, also beating the United States in 2023.

Last night, the U.S. team led in in attacks 54-50 and in serves 6-5, while the Canadians held advantage in blocks 11-7. Canada’s Isaac Heslinga (Orangeville, ON) was top scorer for Canada with 16 points, assisted by team captain Jesse Elser (Calgary, AB) with 15 and Jordan Canham (Avonmore, ON) added 14. The United States’ Gabriel García was their top scorer with 20 points, followed by Daniel Wetter with 11, while Cooper Robinson and Brett Wildman contributed nine points each.

Canada's coach, Glenn Hoag, said in the post match interview: "I knew it was going to be a very difficult final against the United States, which is a very good team, we played very focused and were very disciplined in terms of blocking and defense and we limited their offense, so I am very happy that we return home with the gold medal."
 
Canada´s team captain Jesse Elser won the Most Valuable Player Award. Elser, who also won best server, was one of his team's top scorers in almost every game, scoring 78 points in the tournament. Other Canadians who also earned individual recognition were Jackson Howe as second-best blocker and Max Elgert as best setter.
 
While the senior team heads to Paris, France for the Olympic tournament, the Canadian NextGen team will now prepare for the men’s Final 6, to be held in Gatineau, Que, Aug. 20 to 25.

The Men’s Senior Pan American Cup is part of the qualification process for the 2025 NORCECA Continental Championship, the next edition of the Pan American Cup in 2025, and the 2027 Pan American Games.

Canada's Pan Am Cup Roster

Christopher Byam – Bow Island, AB
Jordan Canham –  Avonmore, ON
Maxwell Elgert – Edmonton, AB
Jesse Elser – Calgary, AB
Mason Greves – Calgary, AB
Daenan Gyimah – Scarborough, ON
Isaac Heslinga – Orangeville, ON
Darian Picklyk – Winnipeg, MB
Skyler Varga – Muenster, SK
James Vincett – Calgary, AB
Jackson Howe -  Calgary, AB
Landon Currie - Vernon, BC
Jackson Young - Etobicoke, ON
Cory Schoenherr - Waterloo, ON

Staff:

Head coach: Glenn Hoag
Assistant coach: Chris Voth
Assistant coach: John Barrett  
Athletic therapist: Melissa Healy
Performance analyst: Lionel Bonnaure
Team manager: Matheus Braz

Info: www.norceca.net

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:

Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676