July 18, 2025: Canada earned a decisive win today in week three of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) hosted in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

A struggling Netherlands, fighting to avoid relegation from VNL if they finish in last place, were swept by Canada 0-3 (22-25, 20-25, 15-25).

“This was a really important win for the team,” said Canada’s head coach Dan Lewis.

“We have two more matches, and we need to maintain our focus and drive. At the beginning of this VNL, we talked a lot about growing and thriving and I’m seeing great things from some of the younger guys. All the players are working hard and improving…. Everybody is really making sure they are fighting hard for the group and that they are open to adapting their games and finding solutions for the team. … It’s difficult when there are big demands on each other (over the course of the tournament). We need to fight hard.”

Canada led in key markers – attack points (43-35), blocks (5-1) and serves (2-0). Canada also gained more points from Netherlands errors (25-21).

Canada’s Xander Wassenaar Ketrzynski (Toronto, ON) was the match top scorer with 16 points (15 kills and a block). Netherlands opposite Michiel Ahyi led his team with 14 points. 

Canada's men's team has four wins (and six losses) so far with two matches to go this weekend, first against Serbia tomorrow and Ukraine on Sunday, to wrap up VNL 2025’s preliminary rounds.

Link to standings: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/standings/men/

VNL week three roster (Men)
1 - Daenan Gyimah – Middle Blocker – Scarborough, ON
2 - Luke Herr – Setter – Winnipeg, MB
3 - Jesse Elser – Outside Hitter – Calgary, AB
5 - Brodie Hofer – Outside Hitter – Langley, BC
11 - Xander Ketrzynski – Opposite – Toronto, ON
13 - Max Elgert – Setter – Edmonton, AB
15 - Jackson Young – Outside Hitter – Toronto, ON
16 - Jordan Schnitzer – Middle Blocker – Surrey, BC
18 - Justin Lui – Libero – Pickering, ON
20 - Jordan Canham - Opposite - Avonmore, ON
21 - Jackson Howe - Middle Blocker - Calgary, AB
22 - Isaac Heslinga – Outside Hitter – Orangeville, ON
33 - Fynn McCarthy – Middle Blocker – Lake Country, BC (Captain)
97 - Landon Currie – Libero – Coldstream, BC
99 - Skyler Varga – Outside Hitter – Muenster, SK

Week 2 Results (Chicago)
Canada v Brazil 0-3 (22-25, 17-25, 17-25) 
Canada v. USA 0-3 (23-25, 22-25, 28-30).
Poland v. Canada 3-2 (30-32, 14-25, 25-17, 25-23,15-13)
China v. Canada 0-3 (23-25, 20-25, 23-25)

Week 1 Results (Quebec)
Germany v. Canada 2-3 (25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25, 11-15)
Argentina v. Canada 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-8)
Canada v. France 2-3 (22-25, 27-29, 29-27, 25-21, 6-15)
Bulgaria v. Canada 0-3 (24-26, 23-25, 19-25)

Global tournament web site:  https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/

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