The defending national champion Golden Bears open their conference schedule this weekend against the Saskatchewan Huskies. Alberta will raise their 2022 U SPORTS banner to the rafters of Saville prior to their game on Saturday night at 5:00 PM.

The Bears are just seven months removed from capturing their 9th U SPORTS title in Winnipeg, doing so in stunning fashion with an upset win over the top-ranked Trinity Western Spartans 3-1 in the national final. 

Brock Davidiuk's team is mostly intact from their championship run, with All-Canadian setter Max Elgert the only starter they've lost to graduation. However, the team is confident in third-year Cam Kern to fill Elgert's shoes at the position.

Among the other key returners for the Davidiuk and the Golden Bears include National Championship MVP Jordan Canham, UAlberta Male Rookie of the Year Isaac Heslinga, and Canada West All-Star middle Billy Johnstone.

The Golden Bears will also wear their indigenous-designed orange jerseys on Friday night.

Every men's volleyball game will be available live and on demand this season exclusively on Canada West TV – the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here. 
 

2022-23 CW MVB PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. Alberta Golden Bears - 140 (8)
2. Trinity Western Spartans - 136 (4)
3. UBC Thunderbirds - 116
4. Mount Royal Cougars - 100
5. Saskatchewan Huskies - 95
6. Brandon Bobcats - 84
7. Calgary Dinos - 82
8. Winnipeg Wesmen - 65
9. Manitoba Bisons - 61
10. Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 54
11. UBCO Heat - 39
12. Fraser Valley Cascades - 28
13. MacEwan Griffins - 14

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ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS SEASON PREVIEW

2021 CW regular season record: /15-3/, 1st in CW Central
2021 post-season record: /6-1/, CW Finalist, U SPORTS Champions
Head Coach: Brock Davidiuk, 4th season / 33-7 CW regular season record
 
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2014-2015 / 14
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2021-22 / 9
 
2021/22 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 17.6 points/set – 1^st
 
2021 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Hits: 200 - Isaac Heslinga, Outside Hitter
Assists: 31 - Cam Kern, Setter
Digs: 109 - Landon Currie, Libero
Blocks: 67 - Billy Johnstone, Middle
Hitting percentage: .491, Billy Johnstone, Middle
 
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Marek Edwards / Libero / 1 / Calgary, AB / Canadian Junior Team
Jacob Sargent / Outside / Lethbridge, AB / Canadian Junior Team
Jack Semonis / Outside / Edmonton, AB / (Strathcona High School)
Luke Weddell / Setter / Red Deer, AB / (Lindsay Thurber High School)
Enis Besirevic / Middle / 3 / Melbourne, AUS / Capilano College Blues
 
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Jacob Deinum / Outside / Barrhead, AB / 4
Max Elgert / Setter / Athabasca, AB / 5
 
Key performer
Cam Kern
Setter
3rd Year
Edmonton, AB
 
2021 Stats: 22/31/24/17/.193/8 (Hits/Assists/Digs/Blocks/Hitting percentage/Aces)
 
Third-year Bear Cam Kern steps into a vacant Alberta setter position for the first time in three years, replacing U SPORTS All-Canadian Max Elgert. Kern did see significant playing time in the second half last season, filling it at both middle and power, helping lead the Bears to their 9^th national title.
 
With many dangerous hitters returning in 2022/23, this Alberta team looks to again rank first in total offence and it will feature a large role from Kern as the team's conductor, as he returns to the setter position.