VNL brings world's best volleyball players to Tsuut'ina Nation
The national women's volleyball teams of eight countries, including Canada and the defending Olympic champions from the U.S., have arrived in Calgary and are set to compete in the final phase pool of the Volleyball Nations League.
The 7 Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut'ina Nation will be hosting half of the league's 16 teams, with the remaining eight competing in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the third and final week of pool play.
Serbia will phase Germany in the opening match Tuesday afternoon, with a full slate of games scheduled for each day through Sunday.
In addition to Canada (ranked 11th, 3-5 record, 9 points), who could potentially face relegation with a poor showing during this final leg of pool play, the teams competing this weekend include:
- 1. Japan (8-0, 23 pts), the only undefeated team in pool play;
- 2. USA (7-1, 21 pts), the defending Olympic champions and three-time VNL title-holders;
- 5. Turkey (5-3, 16 pts);
- 7. Serbia (5-3, 14 pts) the defending world champions;
- 12. Belgium (3-5, 6 pts);
- 13. Germany (2-6, 8 pts); and
- 15. Netherlands (1-7, 6 pts).
The Canadian side will play Turkey (Tues. June 28 at 8 p.m.), Serbia (Canada Day at 8 p.m.), Germany (Sat. July 2 at 8 p.m.) and Netherlands (Sun. July 3 at 5 p.m.)
Canada's roster includes two Calgarians, Hillary Howe and Alexa Gray, who are excited to play in front of their hometown crowd.
"I know there is a big volleyball community here in Calgary and I’m hoping they are able to come out to watch a few games and see what this sport looks like at the highest level," said Gray, who first took to the game as a youth in the Calgary area, in a statement released on Saturday.
"It's very exciting to watch and be a part of. We will be playing against some the best players in the world, and we will need our home court advantage at every game! We have made big steps as a program the last few years, so we are looking forward to showing that off during these games."
The complete schedule, roster and updated match results are available at Volleyball Nations League.
Fans can purchase tickets for all four of an individual country's matches, passes for all games on any specific day or tournament passes. Ticket information is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Canada Post’s newest stamp features special cookies for Islamic holiday
Canada Post’s newest specialty stamps feature “melt-in-your-mouth” desserts to mark two Islamic festivals, the crown corporation announced Thursday.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
Statistics Canada reports real GDP up 0.6 per cent in January as Quebec strikes end
Canada's real gross domestic product grew 0.6 per cent in January, helped by the end of public sector strikes in Quebec in November and December, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.