OCAA 2006-2007 MEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM PREVIEWS

2005-2006 FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS

East
Algonquin (12-1)
Loyalist (9-4)
La Cite (5-8)
Trent (5-8)
Fleming P (0-13)
Central West
Mohawk (13-0)
Nipissing (7-6)
Humber (6-7)
Canadore (3-10)
Sheridan (1-12)
Central East
Durham (13-0)
Georgian (9-4)
Seneca (7-6)
Boreal (3-10)
Cambrian (2-11)
West
Fanshawe (12-1)
Niagara (9-4)
Redeemer (8-5)
St. Clair (6-7)
George Brown (0-13)

2005-2006 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Gold: Mohawk Mountaineers
Silver: Durham Lords
Bronze: Algonquin Thunder


2006-2007 MEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM PREVIEWS

CENTRAL WEST

Canadore Panthers

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 3-10
2005-06 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0

With the most youthful team in 2005-2006 in the Central West Region, the Canadore Panthers struggled only managing to get three wins throughout the season. Canadore hopes that the returning class of players mixed together with a new rookie class of recruits will bring success to the team in 2006. The Panthers will look to move up the Central West region standings and try to enter the playoff mix for the first time in over ten years.

Humber Hawks
2005-06: 6-7
2005-06 Playoffs: 4th
Past Championships: 1

After a disappointing regular season in 2005-06 and an opening round loss in the OCAA Championships, the Humber Hawks thrilled the hometown crowd with a pair of big wins to send the Hawks into the bronze medal game. Although the team showed a lot of resilience and spirit, the team fell a bit short losing to the Algonquin Thunder 3-1 to finish fourth place at the Championships. The Hawks will look to get back on the medal podium in 2006-07, as they have several key veterans returning to the lineup. Right side Tarun Swaroop returns to the Hawks after only playing 6 games last season. Swaroop was a force when he was on the court as he averaged 4.00 PPG last season. Also returning are sophomores Bobby Anderson and Gregory Chisholm, who are guaranteed to give Humber a consistent offensive attack. Coach Wayne Wilkins has also brought in a strong rookie class this season, which includes North York setter Anthony Reyes. Reyes will lead the five freshmen on the squad. Look for Humber improve on their regular season record from last year, as they are definitely a team that has the potential to take home the gold in Barrie.


Mohawk Mountaineers

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 13-0
2005-06 Post Season Finish: Gold
Championships Won: 6

The Mountaineers and fourth year Head Coach James Bradley are well equipped to handle the big red target that they will wear throughout the season. They return four of the starting six players who went 13-0 last year and won the OCAA Championship gold medal. The Mountaineers will feature the 2005-2006 OCAA and Volleyball Athlete of the Year Peter Sniuolis, and a host of other talented players. Sniuolis returns in the setter position as one of the premier floor leaders in the OCAA. Mohawk will have to replace last year’s Central West region scoring champion Brent Carter, but will return hard hitting veteran Kevin Watson at the right side who averaged 2.93 PPG last season. Rounding out the returning starters is middle Steve Pawelczk and defense specialist Matthew Schnarr as libero. Newcomers expected to contribute this year are Chris Davidson and Steve Vellanga at left side and transfer student Jasmine Cull.

Nipissing Lakers

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 7-6
2005-06 Post Season Finish: 7/8th
Championships Won: 0

The Nipissing Lakers return five players from last season’s 7-6 team that finished second in the Central West region. Nipissing led the Central West conference in offensive points generating 1072 points thanks in large part to 2005-2006 League All-Stars Eric Yung and Seamus Strutt. The duo of left side hitters Eric Yung (3.77 PPG) and Seamus Strutt (3.51 PPG) will return this year to lead the Lakers. In the back row, Nipissing will be led by returning setter Connor Edie. There are four new faces on this season’s edition of the Lakers that the coaching staff is expecting to contribute immediately. The Lakers welcome Matt Brady at right side, Zach Halwache at left side, Alex Spottiswood at libero and Terry Sequin at right side.

Sheridan Bruins

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 1-12
2005-06 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 11

The Sheridan Bruins are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2005-2006 season with a new attitude in 2006. The Bruins will be looking to move up the OCAA standings and become a more competitive team in their Central West Region this year. The Bruins lead the OCAA and are the winningest team in Men’s Volleyball with an impressive eleven championships. If the Bruins hope to return to this winning form displayed in the 80’s and 90’s they will have to improve their defensive efforts that allowed 1014 points scored on them this season. The only returning player this season is left side Matt Tayler. Head Coach Rick Bolt expects a trio of rookies to help make an impact in offense including left side Sasha Cerovina, middle Andrew Henry and middle Kirk Ramphal.


WEST

Fanshawe Falcons

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 12-1
2005-06 Post Season Finish: 4/5
Championships Won: 1

The Fanshawe Falcons completed an excellent season last year, finishing league play atop the West Region. Head Coach Dave McMillan continues to build a solid and competitive volleyball program in London. Last season the team was the top offensive team in the league generating 1128 total points in offence. This offensive output was thanks in large part to Rookie of the Year and the West Region scoring champion Justin Guerin who averaged 4.24 PPG last season. Guerin is back and will be leading the 2006 edition of the Falcons squad hoping to win the programs first championship title in over 30 years.

Niagara Knights

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 9-4
2005-06 Post Season Finish: DNQ (lost in cross over playoff to Seneca 3-2)
Championships Won: 3

After gold medal performances in 2004, 2001 and 2000, the Niagara Knights have failed to make the championships the last two years. This season there is a lot of optimism in Welland as Head Coach Reg Miller has a strong recruiting class coming in. Cody Evers, a top highschool recruit from Chatham Kent is hoped to make an immediate impact on the court. At the setter position, the Knights welcome TJ Braithwaite a talented floor leader transferring from Wilfrid Laurier University. Third year veteran Kyle Akins will lead the seven returning players coming back to the Knights squad. Akins was in the top five of scoring leaders last season in the West Region averaging 3.17 PPG. Also looking to lead the Knights will be four year veteran Kevin Lewis, who was the teams second leading point getter last season averaging 3.00 PPG.

Redeemer Royals

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 8-5
2005-06 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0

Redeemer returns seven starters from last season’s 8-5 teams that finished third in the West Region and lost in the playoffs to Georgian 3-2 failing to make the Championships. A trio of players will lead the Royals in hopes of making the Championships this year. Right side Dave Berghout led his team in points and was third in the West Region scoring race averaging 3.87 PPG last year. In the back row will be returning libero Matt Groot and setter Kyle Kloostra. Watch out for Dave Berghout this season to attack the record books. If he records another stellar season he has a chance to etch his name beside OCAA career kills, aces and points. Head Coach Nathan Siebenga expects newcomer power Ryan Talsma and middle Brad Douwes to make immediate impacts on the court this season.

St. Clair Saints

2005-06 Regular Season Record: 6-7
2005-06 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0

The St. Clair Saints are hoping to climb the West Region standings this season. The team lost some excellent players to graduation but feel good about the talent of the athletes returning. The Saints hope to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since joining men’s volleyball in 2000-2001.


EAST REGION

Algonquin Thunder
2005-06: 12-1 (East Region Champions)
2005-06 Playoffs: Bronze
Past Championships: 3

The Algonquin Thunder are looking to build off last year’s bronze medal performance. With the core of last season’s team returning, as well as the addition of Loyalist’s former standout Quentin Skinner, the Thunder are considered by many to be the overwhelming favourite in the OCAA. Lately, Algonquin has been dubbed as the “Beast of the East”, winning the regional title three straight years. Last season, Algonquin ranked third in the OCAA (1119 points for), with four players averaging over two points per game. 2005-06 All-Stars returning from last year include setter Dave Keo and left side Matt Marjanski. Other standouts returning are Colin Mayr, Dan Ashfield and Ahmed Gaabass. Volleyball fans in Ottawa hope that Algonquin win their first OCAA title since the late 1970’s, where they were able to win three consecutive titles.


La Cite Coyotes
2005-06: 5-8
2005-06 Playoffs: Lost in Crossover Playoff Match to Nipissing 3-2
Past Championships: 0

Last season was night and day compared to two years ago. After coming off an 0-13 season where the Coyotes only won nine sets, La Cite was able to remain competitive and qualify for the playoffs where they were narrowly defeated by the Nipissing Lakers 3-2. The majority of the Coyotes offense in 2006 will most likely come from 2005-06 East Region scoring champion Mathieu Gatien who averaged 4.4 points per game. Second year coach Ion Ion hopes that their 2006-07 recruitment class which includes setter Alain Cyr-Russo and centre Simon Brouillard will make an impact in the win/loss column. Clearly the Coyotes goal for the 2006-07 season is to get back into the playoffs and qualify for the OCAA Championships in Barrie.

Loyalist Lancers
2005-06: 9-4
2005-06: Lost in Crossover Playoff Match to Humber 3-0
Past Championships: 7

The Loyalist Lancers are best known for their Men’s Volleyball success in Canadian College athletics. The Lancers have been able to take home 7 OCAA Championships back to Belleville, most recently in 2003. Since their last championships, Loyalist has finished in second place every year in the East region, trailing the Algonquin Thunder. Coach Dobson hopes to end this trend this season and win back the East Region crown. Loyalist will have to depend on it’s veteran leadership to get the job done. Key returning veterans include setter Dave Commerford, power Dan Lazenby, power Derek Warmelink and middle Bobby Tozer.

Fleming Knights
2005-06: 0-13
2005-06: DNQ
Past Championships: 0

The Fleming Knights have nowhere to go but up in 2006-07 as they finished in last place in the East last season. The future looks bright for the Knights as rookie setter Brad Denike from Ashburn looks to bring a winning attitude to the Knights squad. This season, the Knights will have Trent circled on their calendar as they have lost three straight games against their cross-town rivals. Hometown middle Andrew Golloher must have a breakout year this season if Fleming hopes to make some noise in the East Region.

Trent Excalibur
2005-06: 5-8 (4)
2005-06 Playoffs: DNQ
Past Championships: 0

The Trent Excalibur will look to qualify for the OCAA Playoffs for the first time in 2006-07 after two seasons of finishing in fourth place in the East Region. Trent will rely on their veteran presence as 5 of their 6 top scorers from last season are returning. Third year starters Ryan Coghlin and Cory Leblanc look to lead the way for the Excalibur. Also with the returning of team MVP Paul Scott, the 2006-07 Excalibur lineup should be giving coach Mike Halloran a lot of optimism.


CENTRAL EAST REGION

Boreal Viperes
2005-06: 3-10
2005-06 Playoffs: DNQ
Past Championships: 0

Over the past two years, Boreal has shown improvement as they have increased their amount of wins. This season, the Viperes will not only look to increase their win count but they also wish to qualify for the OCAA Playoffs. Last season, Boreal relied on a their balanced scoring attack with five players averaging greater than 1.5 PPG. If Boreal hopes to make an impact in the Central East Region, they must get off to a good start as their first five games are against all four divisional opponents.

Cambrian Golden Shield
2005-06: 2-11
2005-06 Playoffs: DNQ
Past Championships: 0

The Cambrian Golden Shield will depend on it’s youth this season if they hope to qualify for the volleyball playoffs. With eight rookies on the squad, coach Stephan Beausoleil hopes that the Golden Shield will have success for many years to come. Rookies Doug Neilson and Ben Cambridge have been welcomed with open arms, as they are expected to be the future of Cambrian’s volleyball program. Big success could come quickly for the team in the city with the “Big Nickel” as key veterans return to lead this youthful squad. James Castonguay has rejoined the team, which adds a quality setter to the mix. Other returning players include Ron Leblanc, Chris Montgomery, Chris Allen and Christian Copp.

Durham Lords
2005-06: 13-0 (East Region Champions)
2005-06 Playoffs: Silver
Past Championships: 1

The Durham Lords came up just shy of their second OCAA Championship in 2005 as they lost in the finals 3-1 to the Mohawk Mountaineers. The Lords have been dominant in the Central East region over the past couple of years. With a regular season record of 25-1 over the past two years, with their last loss coming to the East Region Algonquin Thunder on November 26, 2004 the Durham Lords look to continue their success and earn another automatic berth into the OCAA Championships hosted by Georgian College. Key returning players in 2006-07 include All-Stars Matt Melissis, Dave Crabbe and Dieter Stevens. Coach Gord Williamson, in his tenth year with the Lords hopes his deep recruitment class will make up for the loss of two time scoring champion Adam Schiedel.

Georgian Grizzlies
2005-06: 9-4 (2)
2005-06 Playoffs: 4th
Past Championships: 0

After a successful 2005-06 campaign, the Georgian Grizzlies look to reach the medal podium at home as they are set to host the 2006-07 Men’s and Women’s OCAA Championships on February 22-24, 2007. After a down year missing out on the playoffs in 2004-05, the Grizzlies were able to bounce back last year with a 9-4 regular season record, and finishing in fourth place at the Championships. With eight rookies on the squad last season, volleyball fans in Barrie are hoping that last year’s OCAA experience will allow the Grizzlies to be ready to make the next step and finish on the podium in 2007.

Seneca Sting
2005-06: 7-6 (3)
2005-06 Playoffs: 7/8th
Past Championships: 0

If you are a fan of the Seneca Sting’s Volleyball program, you may not recognize many of the players on the roster this season, as eight of the eleven players are rookies. It is also fitting that the coach of the Sting, Jason Cliff is in his first year with Seneca. The veterans on the Sting are setter Andrew Skelton, libero Andrew Simmons and power JR Sapienze, who will be looked up early on in the season to provide leadership to the young squad. Change was needed as last year’s 7-6 record was a little bit of a set back for the Sting, as in the previous three seasons Seneca managed to put together an excellent 31-7 regular season record. Seneca is still looking to win their first ever OCAA Men’s Volleyball gold medal.