By Bev Oden

The FloVolleyball Olympics Rankings will count down to the start of the indoor volleyball competition in Rio by highlighting one team per gender each day. Today, nine days before the first serve, we profile the No. 9-ranked Canada men and Korea women.

COUNTRY: Canada

TOP PLAYERS

Gavin Schmitt, Opposite
Best opposite, second-best scorer and best server at World Olympic Qualifier

John Gordon Perrin, Outside Hitter
Fourth-best spiker and passer at World League Group 2

Graham Vigrass, Middle Blocker
Fourth-best blocker at World League Group 2

RISING STAR TO WATCH

Tyler Sanders | 24 | Setter
Third-best setter and digger at World League Group 2

SYNOPSIS

Canada will return to the Olympic Games after a 24-year absence and a tough road to qualification. Many expected Canada to win the NORCECA qualifier, but the team faltered under the pressure and lost in a quick three sets to Cuba. Faced with even more pressure at the World Olympic Qualifier in Japan, the Canadian men rose to the occasion and finished in fourth, which was good enough for a spot in Rio. In that tournament, Canada competed well against more experienced teams, and took both Poland and Iran to five sets.

The rise continued for the Canadians at World League, where they won the Group 2 competition and earned a spot in Group 1 for next year's event. It was the program's first major international tournament victory. Canada logged an 8-1 record to avenge its NORCECA loss to Cuba and lost only to Finland. The team did it all without its superstar opposite Gavin Schmitt, who played only one match all tournament long. In his stead, John Gordon Perrin and Graham Vigrass stepped up to carry the team to victory.

PREDICTION

Although they lack Olympic experience, Canada's World League win will give them confidence going into the Olympics. The Canadians will beat Mexico, but their key match will come against France. They have a shot at a win there, though the French are coming in on a World League high as well. It's unlikely that they'll find the form to beat Brazil, Italy or the U.S., so at best, they will come out of the pool in fourth and play the top team from Pool B--likely Poland or Russia. They'll exit the competition there, and can celebrate taking a huge step forward for this country's program.

FloVolleyball Men's 2016 Olympics Rankings

12. Mexico

11. Egypt

 

10. Cuba 

 

9. Canada