Tommies Reload and Aim for CCAA Success

Tommies Reload and Aim for CCAA Success

“Medal at nationals.”

Those are the three words used by head coach Henri Mallet when asked for the goal of the 2018-2019 season. A lofty one it might be, no team from the ACAA has ever won a medal at the CCAA national championships - but with nine returning players and four impressive recruits, the men’s volleyball team at St. Thomas University is on the cusp of a historic season.

Mallet enters his second year with the program, and in his first crack at ACAA competition Mallet’s Tommies finished the 2017-18 regular season with a record of 8-7. The Tommies pulled off a stunning upset - knocking off the 13-2 Holland College Hurricanes to win their fifth ACAA title in seven years.

Now the young Tommies squad looks to make the jump as a national contender.

“We got a taste of what it’s like at the National Championships last season. It was a valuable and much needed experience for the team and we are looking to improve on that final standing this year,” Mallet said.

The time is highlighted by second-year left-side Christian Christie (Langley, BC) who was named St. Thomas University Male Athlete of the Year in his first year of collegiate competition.

Among the other returning players are seniors Ryan Dickson (Miramichi, NB) and Nick Jackson (North Wiltshire, PE) who will be depended on for their leadership and experience.

Third year players Nathan Brown (Fredericton, NB) and Evan Van Buskirk (Miramichi, NB) look to make the next jump in their respective careers at the left-side and libero positions, respectively.  

The Tommies will rely on second-year middle blockers Garret Dickson (Miramichi, NB) and Adam Hamilton (Hartland, NB) to deliver on offence, while second-year Ben Singer (Halifax, NS) will be called upon often for his blocking prowess. Fiery left-handed hitter Will Leblanc (Prospect Bay, NS) will continue to be a potent option out of the right-side position. 

Entering the fold this season are four fresh faces: Benson Garchinski (Biggar, Sask), Henry Doucet (Truro, NS), Braden Cook (Adelaide, AUS) and Brendan Murphy (Fredericton, NB) look to leave their mark in Tommies lore.

“Our rookies all bring different dynamics to the team and it will be exciting to watch them develop into quality players in the conference and at the national level,” Mallet said about his first-year players.

Garchinski is a recruit from the small town of Biggar, Saskatechwan. A skilled serve receive passer, he will help in that department right away.

Doucet helps fill the void at the setter position left by graduating player, Jonah Burridge. He will compete with Nick Jackson for the starting role.

Cook joins the team all the way from Adelaide, Australia. He has a unique skill set out of the middle will help add depth in an already solid group.

Murphy rounds out the recruiting class - he is a local player from Fredericton High School and impressed the coaching staff at tryouts. He will be competing for a chance to be team’s starting libero.

With another exciting season lined up – no team is being overlooked by Mallet.

“We play in a very tight and competitive conference. You really get to know the other teams and it makes for some exciting and fiery rivalries. We’re anxiously awaiting to get things kicked off. “

The Tommies tip-off regular season play on November 1st when they travel to Saint John to face the UNBSJ Seawolves. The Tommies will play their home opener on November 10th when they take on the Université Sainte-Anne Dragons. The 2017-2018 ACAA banner presentation will be held pre-game.