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
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault in class-action lawsuit
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, once considered a front-runner to become pope, has been accused of sexual assault and is among a list of clergy members and diocesan staff named in a class-action lawsuit against the archdiocese of Quebec. A woman identified as 'F.' in court documents tabled on Tuesday accused Ouellet of several incidents of unwanted touching.

Trump's angry words spur warnings of real violence
A growing number of ardent Donald Trump supporters seem ready to strike back against the FBI or others who they believe go too far in investigating the former U.S. president.
Why is ArriveCan still mandatory, and what is Ottawa's plan for the app?
The glitch-prone app touted as an efficient border tool early in the pandemic has become a punching bag for critics who question its utility -- but ArriveCan may be here to stay.
Parents will need a prescription for some children's liquid medication, SickKids warns
Parents of young children may need a prescription for over-the-counter fever and pain medication due to a shortage at some pharmacies, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is warning.
Elon Musk says he is buying Manchester United
Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Tuesday he was buying football club Manchester United.
B.C. man among first approved for Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program still waiting for compensation
A B.C. man, who was among the first Canadians approved for Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program, says he is frustrated with the length of time it is taking to receive compensation.
Wolves apparently freed on purpose, Vancouver zoo says amid ongoing recapture efforts
The wolves that were found outside their enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo Tuesday appear to have been freed on purpose, according to officials.
Lead investigator in N.S. mass shooting says he stands by political interference accusations
The senior Mountie who made allegations of political meddling in the investigation into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting defended his position to members of parliament Tuesday.
OPINION | Economists are forecasting a recession in Canada, how should you prepare?
The next time the Bank of Canada raises interest rates on the scheduled date of September 7, 2022, it could potentially trigger a recession. Although there may be a chance that we don’t enter into a recession and the BoC is still hoping for a soft landing, it’s best to be prepared. Contributor Christopher Liew explains how.