The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team enter the 2026-27 season with high expectations as they continue to showcase themselves as one of the best programs in the province.
U of T were a sensation last year going 18-2 (W-L) throughout the regular season. However, the 2025-26 campaign came to a premature end following an untimely OUA quarter-final exit. Despite losing veterans Hunter Arulpragasam to the professional ranks overseas and Maxime Gratton to the coaching staff, the Blues still retain a strong core of returning players from that impressive squad last year. Along with several highly-touted recruits, the Blues are aiming for another shot at the postseason to prove they belong at the top of the OUA standings.
FROM THE COACH’S DESK:
“What excites me most about this group is the drive and desire that they have to maximize their potential. The highpoint will come but it’s a process that will involve many lessons, including resiliency which is the most important key. Without a doubt, it’s going to be a very fun ride. Our main objective is to make the playoffs and from there anything is possible.”
- John Barrett, University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball head coach
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Key Returnees: Michael Hickey (S), Iannis Toma (OH), Luka Minic (M)
Key Additions: Riley Smyth (M), Jonah Dolhun (LIB), Marcus Barrett (OH), Stone Riley (S)
LAST SEASON’S LEADERS:
KILLS: Hunter Arulpragasam | 20 MP, 285 Kills
ACES: Maxime Gratton | 19 MP, 37 Aces
BLOCKS: Luka Minic | 20 MP, 46 Total Blocks
DIGS: Hunter Arulpragasam | 20 MP, 196 Digs
ASSISTS: Michael Hickey | 20 MP, 803 Assists
FROM THE COURT:
“Heading into this season, we have a lot to look forward to. With seven recruits joining our team, there is a new level of excitement surrounding the program. We continue to improve with every practice and preseason game, and we will keep building on that throughout the year. We’re committed to giving everything we have to win an OUA championship and earn the opportunity to compete for a national championship.”
- Michael Hickey, 5th year, Setter
MARQUEE GAMES:
Nov. 6/7 vs Guelph
In the second weekend of the regular season, the Blues will be using this home doubleheader versus the Gryphons as a measuring stick. Guelph finished in fourth in the OUA last year with a 14-6 record offering up a battle of top teams in the province for the crowd at Goldring Centre. Toronto have won seven of the last nine meetings.
Nov. 27/28 vs Waterloo
The final matches before the winter break, this home series could provide plenty of momentum ahead of the second half of the season. The two teams consistenty challenge each other with five sets required in the last two meetings and only one three set sweep occurring in the last eight contests.
Jan. 22/23 at Nipissing
Falling to the Lakers in the quarter-finals last season, the Blues will be looking to avenge the unfavourable postseason result. Nipissing will have the advantage of home court as Toronto will have to travel to North Bay for this doubleheader but history still favours U of T. Since 2013, the Blues hold a 16-8 advantage.
GET YOUR TICKETS
Game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets. Entry is FREE for U of T students with a valid T-Card.
All Varsity Blues volleyball games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.