Three years ago the Calgary Canuck Dinos came fifth in the country their first year, after only practicing together for a month. Two years ago they took home a silver medal at the National Championships, losing to the powerhouse number one Ontario team, Pakmen Gold. Last year, the Dinos took home silver, again coming second to the Pakmen.
This year, after a tough semi-final that went to three games against strong Edmonton rival FOG, the Dinos were once again headed to the gold medal final.
Losing 25-13 in the first set, we (the parents) were all hoping it wouldn’t be too painful a loss for our young men. Behind in the second set, the team found their way and won–taking it to a third set and winning 15-12 to take home the gold medal. This year, the memento is a very cool belt buckle that all the medal-winning teams can wear with pride.
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There were many tears at the Stampede Corral on Tuesday afternoon after that amazing win, mostly by parents and siblings, but some of the players, too, after such an emotional journey to the top.
The Pakmen had not lost in years. The team had been National Champions since 2012. They completely dominate in Ontario, including winning the 18U category in Ontario provincials this year. They’re so strong, but the Alberta kids found a way to win. The two teams congratulated each other afterwards–and it was quite a display of sportsmanship.
The six days of volleyball, under the Volleyball Canada banner, was a huge event for Calgary. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was even there a few times watching Team Canada and taking in the sport his children also play. It’s so great to see volleyball back on the map in Canada.
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