Two former members of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack in Kamloops have been selected to represent Canada with the national senior men’s B volleyball team this summer.
Brad Gunter (outside hitter, Courtenay) and Casey Knight (outside hitter, Salt Spring Island) were both chosen for the team which will compete in the 2016 XI Pan-American Cup to be held in Mexico later this month (May 19-26).
Both Knight and Gunter tried out for the team at the Volleyball Canada National Training Centre in Gatineau, Que. earlier this month.
“We wish Casey and Brad the best,” said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly. “Both are trying to embark on professional careers. Brad has played on this team before. He is comfortable at this level. His goal is to be on the national senior A team so this is a step in the right direction.
"Whether Brad plays professionally next year or stays in the full-time training facility, he is in the national team program. For us as a university, it is our goal to support these guys in making these national teams and playing beyond university. I like to recruit guys who have these goals. We work to support this along with being the best CIS team possible.”
Gunter, the CIS’ all-time leader in points and kills, completed his university eligibility this spring.
Canada’s national B team is coached by Georges Laplante and said about the team he is taking to this tournament: “I am confident that this group of athletes will represent Canada well at the NORCECA tournament in Mexico. I’m looking forward to facing countries in our continental zone and testing these of athletes.”