Two Langley names popped up on the 2025 Volleyball Canada men’s team, as the list was revealed ahead of an international championship in Quebec this week.
Langley's outside hitter Brodie Hofer – who's name was well known first as a TWU Spartan (along with his brothers Zach and Tyson, father Ryan as coach, and their mother, Carol, who was associate director of athletic at Trinity) and then as a member of the national men's team – was among those confirmed back on the team for the new season.
In addition to announcing those who made the cut for the seniors men's team, Volleyball Canada also announced its next gen indoor men’s team, which also included a Langley name – that of another outside hitter, Jonas Van Huizen.
This 6 ft. 3 in. setter graduated from Langley Christian Secondary and then played for Universi of the Fraser Valley while studying business. He just finished his fourth year with UFV.
Another familiar local name is former TWU student Ryan Sclater, from Port Coquitlam, who is also a member of this year's seniors men's team.
The senior team will compete in Volleyball Nations League (VNL) kicking off in Quebec City on Wednesday, June 11, and then travel to the United States and Slovenia in hopes of qualifying for the finals, to be held in China.
In 2024, the senior men finished ranked sixth after making the VNL finals and then going on to compete in Paris at the Olympic tournament.
After VNL, the team will prepare for the 2025 Men’s World Championship in September, with a Team Canada roster to be announced at a later date.
Leading the senior team will be head coach Dan Lewis in his first season in this position.
"With a small group of returning Olympians, this year’s senior team will also showcase athletes who are looking to shine and gain valuable experience on the world stage leading up to LA2028," said Julien Boucher, Volleyball Canada’s men’s indoor high-performance director.
Meanwhile, the Next Gen squad, under the guidance of head coach Dave Preston, features up-and-coming talent from across the country.
"The Next Gen team lineup shows depth and the hard work that goes into preparing athletes to compete at the highest level."
This team will be focused on training and competing at the NORCECA Pan Am Cup, Aug. 24 to Sept. 1, in Mexico.
