Men’s volleyball announce commitment of outside hitter Ben Kuhner, libero Mitchell Strilchuk

Two top men’s volleyball talents have chosen Manitoba as their home in 2024-25, as the program announced the commitment of libero Mitchell Strilchuk and outside hitter Ben Kuhner.

Strilchuk 5’10”, 155, is a national champ at the club level, and provincial champ at the high school level. The Winnipeg native most recently took home 4A gold with the Vincent Massey Trojans, completing an undefeated season for the school’s first-ever 4A title on the men’s side. 

At the club level, Strilchuk plays for the Junior Bisons, where he won a 17U title and was an all-star. He was also ranked as one of the top ten players in the province by the Winnipeg Free Press. In the classroom, Strilchuk has been an honour roll student every year. 

“I chose U of M for a combination of the exceptional academics, strong team environment, and opportunity for growth with the Bisons coaching staff,” he said. “I’m excited to join the Bisons and be a part of a talented and competitive team. 

Kuhner is a 6’4″, 185-pound Milton, ON product who’s played for Pakmen Gold U16 and U17 (2020-22), KW Predators Legacy U18 (2023-24) as well as numerous Ontario provincial teams, most recently Team Ontario Elite in 2022-23. 

Kuhner also earned a selection to Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program, offered for top Canadian athletes from grades ten to 12. The program is aimed to continue athletes’ development towards the Senior National Program. 

In the classroom, Kuhner has been an honour roll student every year. 

“I’m thrilled to announce my commitment to the U of M Bison Men’s Volleyball Program,” he said. “I chose U of M due to its great embodiment of strong athletics, academics, and community.”