June 18, 2024: Canada opened men’s week three of Volleyball Nations League's preliminary phase with a thrilling five-set win 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10) over Japan today in the Philippines.

Canada led in attack points, out-blocked Japan 12-3; while Japan led in aces (8-6) and made fewer errors 26-28.

"It was a good win and we showed patience against a very technically strong opponent," said Canada’s head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo. “I’m very happy for the guys. In the end our block defense was the key to winning the game. We were also attacking very well throughout the game, so those were the keys to this victory.”

Match leading scorer was Canadian Stephen Maar with 24 total points, which included two from the service line. Japan opposite Yuji Nishida and outside hitter Yuki Ishikawa each had 19 points, which included two aces apiece.

Maar told VBTV in the post-match interview: "Japan plays really clean volleyball, so it takes equally clean volleyball to win and I think both teams realized this…. The sets we lost were just based on a couple of errors and a couple of cool plays. I think both teams put on a show for the fans tonight and there was some incredible defense on both sides… I’m happy we were able to win when it mattered."

Canada faces Germany next, which takes place at 11 pm ET on June 19 (June 20 in Philippines at 11 am local).

Canada sits at five wins and four losses with three remaining matches to wrap up the preliminary phase.

Matches can be viewed at www.cbcsports.ca or VBTV. 

VNL Week 3 Roster

Luke Herr – Winnipeg, MB
Brett Walsh – Calgary, AB
Ryley Barnes – Edmonton, AB
Nicholas Hoag – Sherbrooke, QC
Eric Loeppky – Steinbach, MB
Stephen Maar – Aurora, ON 
Brodie Hofer – Langley, BC
Pearson Eshenko – Banff, AB
Fynn McCarthy – Lake Country, BC
Danny Demyanenko – Toronto, ON
Lucas Van Berkel – Edmonton, AB
Xander Ketrzynski – Toronto, ON
Arthur Szwarc – Toronto, ON
Justin Lui – Pickering, ON

Staff:
Head coach: Tuomas Sammelvuo
Assistant coach: Joao Paolo Bravo
Assistant coach: Michael Hawkins
Strength and conditioning: Michael Cook
Performance analyst: Damian Musiak
Athletic therapist: Schad Richea
Chiropractor: Abe Avender
Team manager: Cassandra Nicol
Director, high performance: Julien Boucher 

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