VANCOUVER – The defending U SPORTS national champion Thunderbirds men's volleyball team has a new look as they get set to open another Canada West season this weekend when they host the Alberta Golden Bears this Friday and Saturday, October 19^th and 20^th at War Memorial Gym.
 
The 'Birds will have both fresh faces on the squad and a familiar face at the end of the bench as interim coach Mike Hawkins embarks on his first season in blue and gold stepping in for Kerry MacDonald who accepted a new role as Director of Sport Science, Medicine and Information with Volleyball Canada in the off season. Hawkins brings with him a great resume in the game having played for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack before serving as both assistant coach and interim head coach with TRU. Last season Hawkins was a full-time assistant coach with the UBC Okanagan Heat.


 
Even though the T-Birds will have a very solid base of returning players mixed with a youth movement the squad did experience significant turnover with four standout players moving on to sign pro contracts in Europe. They include graduating seniors Irvan Brar and Keith West, while Fynn McCarthy and U SPORTS national championship MVB Byron Keturakis left the nest a little early to head overseas.
 
This seasons version of the 'Birds has been ranked fourth in the Canada West preseason coaches' poll and it's only fitting that they meet one for their rivals in Alberta who come in ranked just one spot above in third place.
 
The regular season opener should see both proud squads wanting to set an early tone and it all gets started Friday at 7:30 p.m. PT while Saturday's helping gets served up at 6:30 p.m. PT and will include the raising of last season's championship banner ahead of first serve. Tickets are available online now.

Last Meeting
 

The last meeting between the two teams was at the U SPORTS national championship in Hamilton, Ont. last March. UBC earned a 3-1 semi-final victory ahead of winning the national title the next day against the No. 1 Trinity Western University.
 

By the Numbers

 
1154 – The number of kills registered by the T-Birds last season which led the CW while averaging a second-best 12.54 kills per set.
 
215 – The number of service aces the 'Birds accrued last season as they routinely set the tone from the baseline.


 

Players to Watch

 
Jordan Deshane (#8, M) – The third-year middle always makes his presence felt with his penchant for thunderous kills. He ended last season on a high note due to his unbelievable 70% hitting percentage at the national championships where he earned 21 kills on 30 attempts and no errors.
 
Joel Regehr (#9, M) – The fifth-year tenacious team captain ranked third on the squad in kills last season with 144. The 6-foot-7-inch Kinesiology student will be both a steadying influence and difference maker on and off the court this season.


 

Coach's Take

 
Interim head coach Mike Hakwins is looking forward to starting the season with a new team in new surroundings.
 
"I'm very excited to get the new season underway and couldn't be more thrilled to begin our journey with this young, talented team," said Hawkins. "The team has been incredible to work with thus far, being very open-minded to me as the new coach with any feedback or instruction I've given. The guys have worked hard this pre-season to prepare for the year, and I think the effort put in by the athletes to build strong cohesion will benefit us early on in the season."
 
Hawkins added what excites him about his group.
 
"Though we turned over some impactful players, this roster has a great mix of strong returning players and exciting young athletes to continue on the success of the program," continued Hawkins. "We have strong depth in our team which have made our practices very competitive as guys jockey for the starting positions. We are fortunate to have excellent skill and physicality throughout our roster, making it a fun task for the coaching staff every day to teach and develop individually and collectively."
 
Hawkins concluded by sizing up this weekend's competition.
 
"U of A are going to be a strong attacking team, with some very physical Outside Hitters and size in the middle," said Hawkins. "Both teams know each other well after some big matchups last year and, despite some changes on both rosters, will look to stay true to their respective styles of play. This is going to be an exciting clash between two talented teams, a perfect way for us to open up the season and to celebrate the success of the 2018 U SPORTS National Championship Team."