The excitement is palpable in Niverville as the 2025 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Volleyball National Championship kicks off at the Community Recreation and Resource Centre (CRRC).
Tournament Director Chris Koop shared his enthusiasm for bringing this prestigious event to the southeast of Manitoba, highlighting the significance of hosting top-tier volleyball teams from across Canada.
“Yeah, it’s super exciting,” Koops said. “Manitoba has been a volleyball mecca for a while, but this is the first time we’ve been able to host something like this on such a big national scale. We’ve been working hard to build a competitive scene here, and now with the Manitoba Conference, we’re able to compete at this level. I think people will be surprised by the quality of the teams. These are excellent athletes, and the competition is top-notch.”
The tournament is bringing together teams from all over Canada.
“If you go from west to east, we have two teams from British Columbia—one from Cranbrook and one from Vancouver. We also have teams from Red Deer College, Providence, and CMU locally, plus a team from Quebec and one from New Brunswick. So, it’s a true Canadian national competition,” Koop explained.
For those wondering about the stakes, the tournament offers more than just bragging rights. The winning team will take home the title of national champion. However, as Koop pointed out, the experience is much more than that for athletes.
“Winning the tournament means you’re the national champion, and that’s a big deal. We really want to give these players an experience they’ll remember. We’re doing everything we can to make it feel professional and affirm how amazing the sport of volleyball is. It’s about more than just playing; it’s about creating an environment where athletes can compete at the highest level."
Tickets are already in high demand for volleyball fans looking to attend, with some matches having already sold over 250 tickets. Koop noted that there are still opportunities to get in on the action.
“I’d really encourage people to go to gopilots.ca to get their tickets in advance. All tickets are online, so if you show up at the door, you will still need to purchase your ticket through your phone as there won’t be any cash tickets available. It’s all online, and it’s a simple process."
As for the tournament schedule, it kicks off with a full slate of matches on Wednesday and Thursday. The competition follows a round-robin format, with teams competing for a spot in the finals. Koop talked about the weekend games.
“On Friday, we narrow it down to just three matches, and then on Saturday, it’s all about the bronze and gold medal matches. It’s an exciting weekend ahead for everyone involved!”
With intense competition and a vibrant atmosphere, the 2025 CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship is sure to be a thrilling event for volleyball fans across the region.
2025 CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship Teams:
Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, MB - Blazers (MCAC)
Cégep de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC - Griffons (RSEQ)
College of the Rockies, Cranbrook, BC - Avalanche (PACWEST)
Douglas College, Vancouver, BC - Royals (PACWEST)
Humber Polytechnic, Toronto, ON - Hawks (OCAA)
Providence University College, Otterburne, MB - Pilots (MCAC)
Red Deer Polytechnic, Red Deer, AB - Kings (ACAC)
Université Sainte Anne, Pointe-de-l'Eglise, NS - Dragons (ACAA/AASC)