Team Canada before a match at the 2010 worlds in Italy (Photo: FIVB)
Time has come for the Canadian men’s volleyball team to fight for a berth at this year's Olympics. Eight teams will vie for a spot in London Games at the Norceca Olympic qualification tournament starting Monday May 7th in Long Beach, California. The teams competing are: Canada, USA, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, and Dominican Republic. Team Canada is in pool B with the Cubans, Ricans, and Dominicans. Last time Canada's men’s volleyball team participated at the Games was in Barcelona 1992, placing 10th.
“USA and Cuba are the obvious favorites for this qualifier, but Puerto Rico and Mexico will also have their best players. We are prepared and will approach each match with great care. This is a very important tournament for us since it will be our only chance to reach the Olympic dream” head coach Glenn Hoag said. Only the winner in Long Beach qualifies for the London Olympics.