Sept. 24, 2023: The United States won the gold match over Canada today at the NORCECA Pan American Cup Men’s Final Six, held from September 19 to 24 at the Flair Airlines Hangar (Expo Centre), in Edmonton, Alberta.
The final gold-medal match score was 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-16).
The US team dominated in attack points 40-29, blocking 13-1, and serving 6-1. Canada made fewer errors – 16 to 20. Outside hitter Ethan Champlin was USA’s top scorer at 16 points (including two blocks and two aces), opposite Camden Gianni and middle blocker Patrick Gasman, also named the tournament MVP, added 13 points apiece.
Isaac Heslinga and Christopher Byam led Canada’s scoring with nine points each.
“I go to school at the University of Alberta (in Edmonton), so seeing friends and family in the crowd, it means a lot to us,” said Heslinga, the team captain. “The whole atmosphere brings such life to the game and it makes it more fun for us. Each game we improved bit by bit. Overall, it was a good experience.”
Canada takes silver, and earlier Mexico won bronze over Cuba; and Puerto Rico beat Dominican Republic for fifth place. Full results: www.norceca.net
Team Canada (Final 6)
Christopher Byam, Bow Island, AB
Jonah Dueck, Rosenort, MB
Reeve Gingera, Calgary, AB
Mason Greves, Calgary, AB
Isaac Heslinga, Orangeville, ON
Zachary Hollands, Victoriaville, QC
Liam Kristjanson, Oak River, MB
Isaiah Mamer, Wilkie, SK
Darian Picklyk, Winnipeg, MB
Jonathan Portelance, Sherbrooke, QC
Jacob Sargent, Lethbridge, AB
Kaden Schmidt, Mississauga, ON
Cory Schoenherr, Waterloo, ON
James Vincett, Calgary, AB
Staff:
Dan Lewis, Head Coach
Georges Laplante, Assistant Coach
Yung Yung Wong, Sport Physiotherapist
Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676
Photo: NORCECA (Paul Swanson)