Luke Herr and Owen Weekes named to Canada’s Volleyball Nations League Wide Roster

Luke Herr and Owen Weekes named to Canada’s Volleyball Nations League Wide Roster

May 28, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Team Canada has officially announced its wide roster for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), featuring a 30-man squad. Among the selections are two players with significant Bisons connections: veteran setter Luke Herr and outside hitter Owen Weekes.

Veteran Leadership and Olympic Pedigree

Luke Herr enters his fourth consecutive year representing Canada in the VNL. A member of the 2024 Paris Olympics roster, Herr played a pivotal role in October 2024 when Canada secured a spot in their third straight Olympic games by defeating Mexico 3-0 in China.

The 31-year-old Winnipeg native established a dominant legacy with the Bisons from 2012 to 2017. He holds the program record for assists in the rally-scoring era with 3,816, and leads the ‘Zoons in career regular season aces with 127.

Herr’s professional journey has spanned several European leagues, including stints in Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece, and he currently plays in France. His international accolades include being named Best Setter at the 2022 Pan American Cup and the 2023 NORCECA Championships.

Did You Know? Luke Herr holds two of the top five single-season assist marks in Canada West history, including 988 assists during the 2015-16 season.

The Emergence of Owen Weekes

While this marks Owen Weekes’ first appearance on the senior national team, the 6’8″ Winnipeg native is well-versed in international competition. Weekes represented Canada on the U21 roster for the past two summers, helping the team earn silver at the 2025 Pan Am Cup.

The Emergence of Owen Weekes
Volleyball Nations League Owen Weekes

During the U21 World Championships in China, Weekes recorded 45 total points. His standout performance came against Kazakhstan, where he amassed 20 points, including 16 attack points.

At the U SPORTS level, Weekes was named the Bisons Male Rookie of the Year and an All-Rookie selection for 2024-25. He was instrumental in helping Manitoba secure a bronze medal at nationals, the program’s first such medal in 14 years.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the inclusion of Weekes alongside a veteran like Herr creates a strategic bridge between generations. This blend of proven stability and emerging youth could be essential as Canada looks to maintain its competitive edge on the global stage.

Looking Ahead to Ottawa

Canada is set to begin its VNL campaign in Ottawa from June 10-14. The team will open the action against Germany, with the match scheduled for 6:30 pm local time.

🇨🇦 Luke Herr | Canada vs. Argentina | 2023 Men's VNL Ottawa

Given Weekes’ rapid growth from the Junior Bisons to the senior level, this tournament may serve as the foundation for a long international career. Meanwhile, Herr is likely to continue serving as the steady backbone for the national squad.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does Team Canada begin its VNL action?
Canada starts the VNL in Ottawa from June 10-14, opening with a game against Germany at 6:30 pm local time.

What are Luke Herr’s primary achievements with the Bisons?
Herr recorded 3,816 assists and 127 career regular season aces, both the most in the program’s rally-scoring era.

What recent success did Owen Weekes have at the U SPORTS level?
Weekes helped Manitoba win a bronze medal at nationals, marking the first time the program achieved this feat in 14 years.

How do you think the addition of new talent like Owen Weekes will impact Team Canada’s dynamic in the upcoming VNL?