Ex-golden Bear Bennett marks start of new era

When Nathan Bennett came in to replace Brian Gavlas as head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, he wiped the slate clean.

There were immediate expectations for the former Golden Bear player and Wolfpack coach, turned Husky.

Bennett had to switch allegiances, first and foremost, and then begin to usher in a new era for the U of S men’s volleyball program.

“I was a player at U of A, coaching at TRU and I’m here,” he said. “Changing allegiances is part of the gig and, wherever you are, that’s where your heart is and where your passion is. At this point of time, it’s with the U of S Huskies and hopefully it’s my last stop.”

The Huskies (2-2) play their Canada West conference homeopening series Friday and Saturday (8 p.m., PAC) against the visiting University of Calgary Dinos.

“I was quite surprised, when I got here,” Bennett noted. “The talent in the group is really, really quite good.”

KEY PLAYERS

Setter CJ Gavlas, a former U Sports men’s volleyball rookie of the year, returns to quarterback the offence led by top hitter Dylan Mortensen, the U Sports rookie of the year last season.

Left-side hitter Colin Fraser is a leader on and off the court. Middle player Daulton Sinoski is also back in the fold. Among the other returnees are Aidan Saladana, Patrick Hunchak, Connor Murray, Mason Scott and Luke Wandzura, plus Evan Parchomchuk, following a one-year absence.

NEWCOMERS

Among the new faces are libero Dryden Wall and fellow University of Regina Cougars transfer Cody Caldwell, a middle blocker.

Cole Burkart is a NAIT transfer.

DEPARTURES

Among those leaving the program were Gavlas, who was abruptly fired during the off-season once 2017-18 Huskies player Matthew Meyer pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Gavlas and Meyer are both gone, along with graduates Etienne Hagenbach, Troy Wiebe and Paul Mennie, as well as Kale Little and German import Lukus Radzuweit.

OUTLOOK

Right now, the sampling size is small for Bennett.

“The expectation for me is none, really,” said Bennett. “As we go, and we’ve only done two weekends so far, I think my expectation will change as we move on this season. But, the one thing I expect with this group is to battle every single point. With the talent level that we have and if we are able to sustain our game plan and stay focused with what we do, I think our results will show. But I won’t be one to say that we’re going to win playoffs or win these games this weekend.”