--PRINCE ALBERT-- Two locals make provincial volleyball grade, prepare for Canada Western Summer Games Gary Pearson Herald staff Saskatchewan has combined the south and north regions of the province to create one under-18 volleyball team, a superpower that showcases two locals who are set for Summer Games' acclaim.
With Saskatchewan's north and south segregated for last year's Western Canada Summer Games, Prince Albert's Matthew Cantin said eclipsing Team North's fourth-place showing from a year ago is within the recently formed unified team's grasp.
"Combined with the other team (Team South) we have an even better team and a good chance to win silver or gold," said Cantin. "It's a matter of having a game plan and playing to that game plan."
The 17-year-old said the team is getting along swimmingly and is prepared to fight as a well-oiled, cohesive unit.
"We do a lot of team play, so we are getting a lot of team chemistry when we are not practising we go out as a team," said the six-foot-two setter, who will suit up for Mount Royal University in Calgary come September.
Cantin said the level of solidarity displayed by the team on the hard court during weekend training sessions has surpassed expectations. Provincial head coach Jason Garland is confident of progressing to the last four of the tournament, where he said a "dog fight" for medals will ensue.
Garland said Cantin is one of three setters his squad is blessed with, creating healthy competition for a starting role.
"There's a little bit of a fight to see who is going to see the floor," said 23-year-old Garland, the tournament's youngest coach. "He's (Cantin) been performing very well. He's a great setter and when push comes to shove, he's probably our best server on the team.
"I can tell you Matt will probably see floor time for sure."
Michael Arhibald rounds out the Prince Albert contingent. Garland said Archibald, who usually commandeers the middle of the floor, has seamlessly adapted to his new role on the left side of the court.
"He's going to be one of our best passers out there, which was a surprise," said Garland.
Archibald, 17, said he has little experience playing on the left side of the court, but in the team's best interest, was happy to make the transition.
"It's been going pretty good, just a few minor things like where to hit the ball," said Archibald, who is bound for Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alta., in September.
Training six times per weekend, the provincial outfit is sure to iron out any kinks before invading Kamloops on Aug. 11. Due to logistical constraints, the team has to make the most of their opportunities in which to train. Three, two-a-day practices will prepare the squad for all forthcoming physically demanding matches, which are of the best-of-five variety.
As Cantin progresses into university volleyball in a month's time, he hopes to end his junior Saskatchewan volleyball tenure with a performance worthy of the student-athlete tag he has earned.
Once the Western Canada Summer Games conclude in mid-August, Cantin and Archibald have little leeway before heading to their respective colleges.
"I'm looking forward to not really knowing anyone - just meeting new people, getting a fresh start," said Cantin, who prides himself on being a set-up man at the epicenter of any formidable offensive unit.
A round-robin phase followed by medal rounds will determine the Games' top volleyball outfit. The usual suspects are due to take part in the Games, including Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon Territories, the Northwest Territories and last year's victor, Manitoba.
Garland said his squad has improved substantially, in contrast to Manitoba, whose team looks like a replica of last year.
Cantin said Saskatchewan's volleyball contingent would be happy with nothing less than a finals berth. "To get to the final would be a big goal. That would be an accomplishment," he said.
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