The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball team enter the 2025-26 season intent on challenging for a position at the top of the standings.

Last season the Blues entered the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak, closing out the regular season with a 15-5 (W-L) record, placing third via tiebreaker. Toronto's journey came to an abrupt halt however following a quarter-final defeat. With plenty of returning talent from that strong roster and the addition of two-time all-Canadian Maxime Gratton, the Blues 2025-26 aspirations remain as high as ever.
 
FROM THE COACH'S DESK:
"I look forward to training and coaching a very highly motivated group of young men, who are very focused and clear about pursuing their goals and dreams, this year.  The group will have a high level of technical excellence and a competitive desire to compete with the best teams in the province and the country.  It will be a great ride and an exhilarating show to follow this season with this Varsity Blues team."

• John Barrett, University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball head coach

 
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Key Returnees: Michael Hickey (S), Hunter Arulpragasam (OH), Rylan Armstrong (LIB)
Key Additions: Maxime Gratton (OH), Jeffrey Kladko (OH)
 
LAST SEASON'S LEADERS:
KILLS: Jayden Talsma | 20 MP, 225 Kills
ACES: Hunter Arulpragasam | 19 MP, 24 Aces
BLOCKS: Luka Minic | 20 MP, 54 Total Blocks
DIGS: Michael Hickey | 20 MP, 144 Digs
ASSISTS: Michael Hickey | 20 MP, 669 Assists
 
FROM THE COURT:
" There's a lot to be excited about as we head into the upcoming season. Our returning athletes are setting the tone with the work they've put in throughout their time on the team, while the new additions have made an immediate impact—elevating both the skill level and the culture of our program. We continue working every day with the goal in mind of winning an OUA championship and earning the opportunity to compete for a national championship. We can't wait to get back on the court and continue building something special."

• Michael Hickey, 4^th year, Setter

 
MARQUEE GAMES:
Oct. 25 at McMaster
The Blues open the regular season with six straight road contests, beginning in Hamilton at perennial powerhouse McMaster. Shifting the momentum versus the Marauders, Toronto won both games versus McMaster last season, ending a previous two game draught. The Blues will be looking to keep that rolling as they aim to start 2025-26 on the right foot.

Nov. 21/22 vs Nipissing
The lone home games of the first semester for the Varsity Blues, the men's volleyball team will be looking to amplify their play in front of the home crowd for these back-to-back contests. The Blues hold a 14-7 record versus the Lakers dating back to 2013, and with their next home game not coming until January 16, this will be circled as the only opportunity to bring the energy inside the Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House before 2026.

Feb. 14 vs Western
A rematch of the Blues OUA quarter-final defeat, this regular season finale will no only serve as a springboard into the postseason but also a shot at redemption. U of T will have to wait all season for another shot at the Mustangs and will get to do it in front of the home crowd. Toronto have won only one of the last five meetings between the two teams, but they will be fixated on reversing those fortunes.

GET YOUR TICKETS
Game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets. Entry is FREE for U of T students with a valid T-Card.

All Varsity Blues volleyball games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.