CW Coaches Poll: Griffins voted to finish 13th; will visit Dinos to kick off the season

Canada West Communications

Are we entering a new era of Canada West men’s volleyball? 

After a decade of domination by powerhouse programs in Alberta and Trinity Western, the level of parity across the conference has never been higher entering what promises to be an entertaining and unpredictable 2025-26 season. 

The MacEwan Griffins will have to earn their respect after being voted to finish 13^th in the annual preseason coaches poll. They’ll be gunning for their first playoff spot in Canada West – with 10 berths on the line this season.

MacEwan will open the season on Friday at Calgary (5 p.m.) and Saturday (6 p.m., both Canada West TV).

The UBC Thunderbirds have topped this year’s coaches poll, receiving nine first-place nods as they aim for their first conference championship since 1986. Trinity Western finished second with two first-place votes, while Saskatchewan was third with one. Manitoba finished fourth, and Alberta came in fifth with a first-place vote of their own. 

Last year’s national champion Brandon Bobcats ranked sixth, while the reigning conference champion Winnipeg Wesmen came in seventh. 

First serve goes tonight when Trinity Western visits Fraser Valley.

Fans can stream every game on CanadaWest.TV – Powered by BioSteel. This season, purchasing an All-Access pass allows fans to download three games to keep forever. A regular season pass is also available, allowing fans to catch all the action across both men’s and women’s volleyball for one low price. 

The Canada West regular season runs through Feb. 14, with playoffs starting on Feb. 20. 

The postseason will culminate in a “Final Four” format beginning March 6. 

2025-26 CW MVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team – Points (First-place votes)

1. UBC Thunderbirds – 139 (9)
2. Trinity Western Spartans – 123 (2) 
3. Saskatchewan Huskies – 115 (1)
4. Manitoba Bisons -111 
5. Alberta Golden Bears – 104 (1) 
6. Brandon Bobcats – 88
7. Winnipeg Wesmen – 86 
8. UBCO Heat – 61
9. Calgary Dinos – 58
10. Mount Royal Cougars – 56
11. Thompson Rivers WolfPack – 36
12. Fraser Valley Cascades – 22
13. MacEwan Griffins – 15

MacEwan Griffins season preview 

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: After an off-season of turnover, including seeing 2024-25 Team MVP Mitchell Croft take his game to the NCAA with the University of Hawaii, the Griffins will have a new wave of talent looking to compete at the Canada West level. It’s a promising recruiting class, highlighted by 6-foot-5 German opposite Fabian Breitenbach and top local high school setter Lincoln Pinchuk. Where that takes them in the short term remains to be seen, but expect a team that will compete every night and get stronger and more cohesive as the season goes along.

From the coach: “Our team is excited about the new season. Some new faces look to break through in the ultra-competitive Canada West.” – Brad Poplawski

Key Performer: Brendon Lord
​Outside Hitter | 3rd Year | Sherwood Park, Alta. 

Showing a glimpse of what he’s capable of late in the 2024-25 season after joining the team in the second semester as a transfer from Thompson Rivers, Lord had double digits in kills in two of his six matches. 

Bringing energy and leadership on and off the court, Lord is exactly what a young Griffins team needs as he continually sets an example of what top two-way play looks like from the outside hitter position.