MVB: 2025-26 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 16, 2025 – Are we entering a new era of Canada West men's volleyball?

After a decade of domination by powerhouse programs in Alberta and Trinity Western, the level of parity across the conference has never been higher entering what promises to be an entertaining and unpredictable 2025-26 season.

The UBC Thunderbirds have topped this year's coaches poll, receiving nine first-place nods as they aim for their first conference championship since 1986. Trinity Western finished second with two first-place votes, while Saskatchewan was third with one. Manitoba finished fourth, and Alberta came in fifth with a first-place vote of their own.

Last year's national champion Brandon Bobcats ranked sixth, while the reigning conference champion Winnipeg Wesmen came in seventh.

First serve goes tonight when Trinity Western visits Fraser Valley (6 p.m. PDT | Stream live on CanadaWest.TV), followed by a full slate of games on Friday and Saturday.

New contenders on the rise

After narrowly missing out on a nationals berth last season, UBC's veteran laden roster enters this season in win-now mode. Expectations are high as the team looks to capitalize on the final season of program greats Mason and Logan Greves.

“The Canada West is a difficult gauntlet every year, and we expect a tight battle with numerous teams capable of finishing at the top of the standings," says UBC head coach Michael Hawkins. "Our team is entering the season highly motivated, using last year's finish as fuel. This year's roster features a potent mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young athletes who have stepped up significantly in new roles."

Their west coast rivals from Trinity Western also return all of their starters, led by fifth-year setter Anselm Rein, one of the conference’s most experienced and effective playmakers.

On the prairies, the Saskatchewan Huskies are on the rise and looking to build off an impressive double-bronze medal performance last season, which included a takedown of the Sherbrooke Vert & Or in the bronze medal game at U SPORTS nationals.

Meanwhile, can you ever really count out the Golden Bears? After claiming silver at both the conference and national levels last year, Alberta enters a transition season under head coach Brock Davidiuk, but with a strong returning core and an impactful recruiting class, they remain firmly in the title conversation.

What's next for the champs?

After a storybook run to the U SPORTS national championship, the Brandon Bobcats face a new challenge with just two returning starters. The program will look to its depth and youthful energy to carry forward the momentum from last season’s historic title.

A similar story unfolds in Winnipeg, where the defending Canada West champion Wesmen will look to defend their banner despite the departure of key players, including standout Isaiah Olfert. Fifth-years Alex Krykewich, Paxton Koop and Jaxon Rose will form the leadership group this season, while libero Carson Brennan steadies the back row.

"With several new additions this year, our success will hinge on returning veterans stepping into key roles and guiding the transition," says Wesmen head coach Chris Voth.

Don't miss a moment on Canada West TV

Fans can stream every game on CanadaWest.TV - Powered by BioSteel. This season, purchasing an All-Access pass allows fans to download three games to keep forever. A regular season pass is also available, allowing fans to catch all the action across both men's and women's volleyball for one low price.

The Canada West regular season runs through Feb. 14, with playoffs starting on Feb. 20.

The postseason will culminate in a "Final Four" format beginning March 6.

For the complete Canada West men’s volleyball schedule, click here.

To view CW men's volleyball history and records, click here.

2025-26 CW MVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: Expectations are high for the Thunderbirds this season as the team looks to capitalize on the final season of program greats Mason and Logan Greves, a Canadian Senior National Team setter and the two-time reigning Canada West Libero of the Year, respectively. Also in his fifth season is team captain Kieran Robinson-Dunning, who led Canada West in hitting percentage by .060 last year, setting a program record in the process.

After losing only three players from last season's roster, none of whom regularly started, and also featuring the strong outside hitting of 4th-years and former CW All-Stars Gavin Moes and Reeve Gingera, as well as late season breakout middle Alex Emery, the T-Birds are poised to be all-in this season as they seek their first conference championship since 1986.

From the coach: “The Canada West is a difficult gauntlet every year, and we expect a tight battle with numerous teams capable of finishing at the top of the standings. Our team is entering the season highly motivated, using last year's finish as fuel. This year's roster features a potent mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young athletes who have stepped up significantly in new roles. I'm looking forward to seeing what this group of Thunderbirds is capable of accomplishing.” - Michael Hawkins

Key Performer: Mason Greves
​Setter | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Mason Greves enters his fifth and final season as a T-Bird already established as an all-time UBC men's volleyball great. Currently 10th in assists in Canada West history, he is 24 back of the program record, held by Milan Nikic. A repeat of his 2024-25 season would see Greves finish third in assists in conference history, nearly tied with his Canadian Senior National Team teammate Luke Herr. Greves is also fifth in Canada West history in assists per set, serving as the steady fulcrum of the UBC attack since he first donned the blue and gold in 2021.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: The Spartans enter the 2025-26 season with confidence, returning their full starting lineup from last year. Led by an experienced and veteran core, the group brings a strong sense of motivation and preparation following productive off-season experiences with national teams at various levels.

From the coach: “This season, our team will be focused on endurance and consistency. The Canada West conference is the most balanced it has ever been, and we are proud to compete in the strongest conference in U SPORTS volleyball. We are excited to return a veteran group, with all of last year’s starters back on our roster for the upcoming season.” - Adam Schriemer

Key Performer: Anselm Rein
​Setter | 5th Year | Erfurt, Germany

"Anselm enters this season as a senior who understands what Canada West Volleyball is all about. As our starting setter, he is one of the key leaders on and off the court. He knows exactly what it takes to run an elite offence in our league while leading a team at the same time. He comes to us in the fall after a great summer with the German National Team, where he competed with them at the FISU Games. We are excited to see Anselm lead this version of TWU Men’s Volleyball." - Adam Schriemer, Head Coach

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: Fresh off a season which saw the Huskies secured bronze medals at both the conference and U SPORTS level, Saskatchewan returns hungry for more postseason action with a intact core of student-athletes. With their entire starting lineup from a season ago back and a couple of exciting pieces added, expectations for the 2025-26 season remain high as the team looks to put together another strong regular season before elevating in March. The team is playing smart volleyball, and that growing confidence will hopefully shine on the court in a new campaign.

From the coach: “We are returning a strong core who is quite hungry to improve on the bronze medal from last year. The conference will be as close as ever and we are excited to battle every weekend.” - Sean McKay

Key Performer: Emmett Graham
​Right Side | 5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

Emmett Graham returns to the Huskies for his fifth and final season in green and white coming off a career season a year ago. A 2024-25 All-Star and All-Canadian, Graham rarely left the court for the Dogs as one of their go-to hitters at the sticks. The local Saskatoon product recorded a team-high 290.5 points and 256 kills, both top 10 in Canada West, while also proving to be one of the most efficient hitters in the conference with a .374 hitting percentage. Graham continued his impressive play into the postseason, recording 134.5 points in eight matches.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: One of the deepest squads in the country, Manitoba returns their entire roster from last season, and are in a win now mode. With a combined 13 third to fifth-years, and fresh off their first conference playoff series win in eight years, the time is now for the Herd.

From the coach: “We want to focus on the work we put in during last summer and in the pre-season and transfer it on the court in every match. Our strengths include a deep bench and we want to use that to our advantage.” - Arnd Ludwig

Key Performer: Owen Weekes
​Left Side | 2nd Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Blue chip prospect Owen Weekes made an immediate impact at the U SPORTS level last year, earning U SPORTS All-Rookie recognition while also being named the Bisons' Male Athlete of the Year.

Capable of playing on the left or right side and with a rocket of a serve, Weekes can do it all. He's coming off a summer with Team Canada's U21 squad and should be one of the country's most dangerous play makers in 2025-26.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: The Alberta Golden Bears came up just short of cementing dynasty status in 2024-25, losing in both the Canada West and U SPORTS Finals. The Bears will head into 2025-26 without their two two attackers from last season, as both U SPORTS MVP Isaac Heslinga and national championship All-Star Liam Espedido signed professional contracts.

All that being said, don't count this Bears team out of title contention just yet. Head coach Brock Davidiuk returns key starters such as Trent Cherewaty, Owen Harris, Jacob Sargent and Luke Weddell, while also bringing in one of the most impressive recruiting classes in Canada West.

From the coach: “Most of our starters from last year's U SPORTS nationals silver medal finish are back with the exceptions of key contributors Isaac Heslinga and Liam Espedido. A number of these athletes had selections and opportunities with National Teams this summer including Trent Cherewaty and Owen Harris with the 21u National Team and Jacob Sargent with the Next Gen team. Additionally, Jarvis Page was selected to the Australian National Team and ​ 1st year Grayson McDonald started for the 19u National Team this summer during their World Championship campaign in Uzbekistan. Having this breadth of experience injected to this year's version of the Bears will definitely help in light of the departures by Heslinga and Espedido.” - Brock Davidiuk

Key Performer: Trent Cherewaty
​Middle | 3rd Year | Mulmur, Ont.

Fresh off a breakout campaign with Golden Bears Volleyball, third-year Trent Cherewaty enters year 3 firmly in the conversation for the best middle in Canada West.

The Mulmur, Ontario product finished third in Canada West with a staggering .445 attack % last season, adding a team-high 66 blocks across 63 sets.

Having spent the summer competing for the U21 Canadian National Team, Cherewaty will be a relied-upon veteran on one of the youngest rosters Bears under head coach Brock Davidiuk.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: The Bobcats enter the 2025-26 season as the reigning U SPORTS National Champions, a title they earned last season as the eighth seed, demonstrating their immense competitive ceiling. Their preparation included a unique and challenging opportunity to represent Canada at the NORCECA Final Six tournament, providing invaluable international experience against world-class competition just before the Canada West conference schedule begins. The expectation for this season is to leverage that confidence and high-level training to attempt to repeat as national champions.

From the coach: “A relatively young team, looking to build off last year's experiences. With only two returning starters, there will be many new faces on the floor that look to establish themselves as bonafide competitors in the ultra tough Canada West conference.” - Grant Wilson

Key Performer: Liam Pauls
​Outside Hitter | 4th Year | Balmoral, Man.

Pauls is one of the team's primary offensive weapons and a key all-around player, evidenced by his high kill and service ace totals. As an experienced outside hitter and a core member of their recent championship squad, his ability to deliver clutch performances and provide solid floor defence will be essential for the Bobcats to defend their U SPORTS national title. His leadership and versatility will be crucial to their success.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: The Wesmen enter the season as defending conference champions for the first time since they joined Canada West. Gone is first-team All-Canadian Isaiah Olfert, but an impressive group of returnees should ensure the Wesmen remain very competitive in the Canada West. Fifth-years Alex Krykewich, Paxton Koop and Jaxon Rose form the leadership group, while libero Carson Brennan steadies the back row.

From the coach: “With several new additions this year, our success will hinge on returning veterans stepping into key roles and guiding the transition. The Winnipeg program has long been recognized for its defensive grit, and that fighting spirit remains at the heart of our identity. Offensively, we expect to spread the load across a balanced attack, while our ability to connect and trust one another will be the foundation of our success.” - Chris Voth

Key Performer: Paxton Koop
​Middle | 5th Year | Steinbach, Man.

A versatile presence up the middle, Koop is part of a leadership group that will look to continue the good vibes from a season ago. Koop was top 10 in the conference in total blocks and led the Wesmen in attack percentage for the second straight season. Since his freshman season, Koop has appeared in all 86 conference matches.

UBCO Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: Fresh off their return to the Canada West playoffs a year ago, the Heat will be looking to take another step forward as head coach Scott Koskie enters his second season with the program. The Heat will boast a veteran-laden lineup led by fifth-year setter Zach van Geel and first-team all-star Thys Weststrate, along with fourth-year outside hitter Seba Manuel. As the team eyes a deep playoff run in 2025-26, the team’s transfer additions promise to bolster the squad’s depth and provide matchups challenges for opponents this season.

From the coach: “We are looking to build on the growth from last season where we took some small steps forward.. We return all of our starters from last season with CW First Team all star Thys Weststrate and Zach van Geel having spent the summer with the Volleyball Canada Next Gen program. We are a more experienced team and hope that we can demonstrate that during the season.” - Scott Koskie

Key Performer: Zach van Geel
​Setter | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

van Geel enters his final season with the Heat fresh off the best year of his career. His 639 assists and 8.75 assists per set were both top five in Canada West last season and the best numbers of his career. When van Geel is at his best, he can lift the play of every player on the floor as witnessed by many of his teammates recording career best hitting efficiencies in 2024-25. After spending the summer training with Team Canada's NextGen program, look for van Geel to raise his game to a new level in 2025-26.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: Calgary has high expectations going into year two under head coach Graham Vigrass. The Dinos graduate four impact players from last year's squad, but have a number of strong newcomers already battling for playing time as this year's team hopes to take the next step following a Canada West Quarterfinal finish a season ago.

From the coach: “We have a group hungry to get better and learn what it takes to succeed. Keys to success are learning to play together as fast as possible.” - Graham Vigrass

Key Performer: Cole Czepuryk
​Outside Hitter | 2nd Year | Calgary, Alta.

After a strong first year that saw him earn a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie squad, Cole Czepuryk is once again play a big role on this year's Dinos' squad. The 6-foot-8 outside hitter racked up 109 kills in 17 conference games a season ago, but came on strong down the stretch - tallying double-digit kills seven times in the second half of the year.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: After a reset year in 2024-25, the Cougars' young core is set to take another step, with hopes to return to the playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time in seven years. Mount Royal has landed some of the top recruits going into this season to combine with a developing, talented core that is filled with size and athleticism.

From the coach: “We are a young, physical team poised for a bounce back year. Our size and athleticism will make us one of the most physical teams in the league. Some key additions to the team should have an immediate impact on our team's performance.” - Shawn Sky

Key Performer: Grant Hill
​Setter | 3rd Year | Calgary, Alta.

Grant Hill has established himself as one of the best setters in the Canada West and arguably the most important player on his team. His 582 assists ranked him seventh in the league last season during a tough rebuilding year for Mount Royal. As he enters his third year, his leadership and talent will be vital to the Cougars' success.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: After narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season, the WolfPack will be aiming for a return in head coach Pat Hennelly's 20th season in charge. A veteran core is back to lead the 'Pack with plenty of youth able to step up and add to TRU's success.

Key Performer: Rylan Ibbetson
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Kelowna, B.C.

In his fifth and final year with TRU, veteran outside hitter Rylan Ibbetson will be counted on for his leadership both on and off the court. With over 600 kills to his name throughout his time with TRU, the product of Kelowna is a crafty attacker that will lead the WolfPack attack.

Fraser Valley Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: The youth movement has come for the UFV Cascades men's volleyball team, with 12 of their 18 rostered players coming in with two or fewer years of experience at the university level. With multiple impactful graduations last season, UFV will lean heavily on the experience of fourth-year outside hitters Roan McCarthy and Easton Sarich for the 2025-26 season while a strong group of rookies will look to battle for playing time.

From the coach: “We are a new team after losing a lot of our veterans due to graduation. We are looking to continually improve throughout the season.” - Nathan Bennett

Key Performer: Roan McCarthy
​Outside Hitter | 4th Year | Lake Country, B.C.

One of just three fourth-year players on a young Cascades squad, Roan McCarthy will lean on his experience as he looks to shoulder much of the load for UFV. The Outside hitter will likely be the go-to-guy for the Cascades' offence this season.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: After an off-season of turnover, including seeing 2024-25 Team MVP Mitchell Croft take his game to the NCAA with the University of Hawaii, the Griffins will have a new wave of talent looking to compete at the Canada West level. It's a promising recruiting class, highlighted by 6-foot-5 German opposite Fabian Breitenbach and top local high school setter Lincoln Pinchuk. Where that takes them in the short term remains to be seen, but expect a team that will compete every night and get stronger and more cohesive as the season goes along.

From the coach: “Our team is excited about the new season. Some new faces look to break through in the ultra competitive Canada West.” - Brad Poplawski

Key Performer: Brendon Lord
​Outside Hitter | 3rd Year | Sherwood Park, Alta.

Showing a glimpse of what he's capable of late in the 2024-25 season after joining the team in the second semester as a transfer from Thompson Rivers, Lord had double digits in kills in two of his six matches.

Bringing energy and leadership on and off the court, Lord is exactly what a young Griffins team needs as he continually sets an example of what top two-way play looks like from the outside hitter position.