Four years ago, the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team was front and centre on a national stage, winning the CCAA championship.

And this week, they're back.

Lakers second year middle, Steve Wood has been selected to represent his country, earning a spot on Team Canada's National B Team.

Wood is the first ever Lakers athlete to be named to a senior national team and have the opportunity to make a name for himself in the volleyball world thanks to earning a spot on this team.

Wood is also the youngest athlete to earn a spot in the team, another feather in his cap as he continues to progress.

Wood is thrilled with the opportunity ahead of him and said he's honoured to be selected as one of the top players in the country.

"I have worked extremely hard to be awarded the various experiences in my life; first team Ontario and then Nipissing University Lakers were so far my biggest accomplishments. My goal for the selection camp was to learn and improve myself in every aspect of my game with some of the top players and coaches this country has to offer. I did not have high expectations entering the camp and just wanted to give 100 per cent and be myself," Wood said. "I was able to show that hard work and dedication pays off and was selected to represent my country with several other high level athletes. I am honoured to be able to represent my country at the highest level and grateful for the opportunity. I am really looking forward to the next couple of months training in Gatineau and hopefully bring back what I learn here to the Lakers program for the 2016-17 season.  My Lakers family have been incredibly supportive throughout this process and I am very proud to be representing Lakers PRIDE wearing the red and white."

Volleyball Canada recently announced the complete roster which was named as a result of the 'B' Team Selection Camp, which was held May 5 to 8 at the Centre Sportif in Gatineau, Quebec.

More than 40 athletes registered for the chance to be part of the team that will compete at the 2016 XI Pan-American Cup in Mexico from May 19-26. 

Last year, Canada finished fourth at this event.

"We had a very quick turnaround for this event, but I'm confident that this group of athletes will represent Canada well at the upcoming NORCECA tournament in Mexico," said Georges Laplante, men's national B team head coach. "I'm looking forward to facing countries in our continental zone and testing these of athletes."

Following Mexico the team will resume training in Canada in June.

Lakers head coach Eric Yung said this is a huge moment for Wood and he couldn't be happier for his athlete.

It's also big for the program, solidifying their spot as one of the top up-and-coming programs in the CIS.

"I am extremely proud and excited for Steve. There are few athletes who deserve this more than him. He has made great strides and coming from being relatively unknown and making Team Ontario U18 and now this team, it's great," Yung said. "Steve will get a chance to learn from some of the best athlete in our country and some of the best coaches and it's not only going to make him a better volleyball player, but hopefully he's able to bring back some of that experience an some of the knowledge he's gained to our program and he can share what he's learned with our teammates.

"Steve's versatility, work ethic and dedication has been evident to us and it's clear that Volleyball Canada noticed as well. Hopefully Steve is the first of many Lakers athletes to follow this path and earn the right to represent their country. This is definitely an exciting time for Steve and for our program, as well," Yung added.
 
 
Full Roster
Setters
Gabriel Chancy, Montreal QC
Josh McKay, Winnipeg MB
Brett Walsh, Calgary AB

Left Side
Ryley Barnes, St. Paul AB
Bryan Fraser, Saskatoon SK
Stephen Maar, Aurora ON
Jori Mantha, Ottawa ON
Blake Scheerhoorn, Belleville ON
Ray Szeto, Toronto ON

Right Side
Brad Gunter, Courtenay BC
Casey Knight, Salt Spring Island BC
Steven Wood, North Bay ON

Middles
Danny Grant, Chetwynd BC
Arthur Szwarc, Toronto ON
Marc Wilson, Stratford ON

Liberos
Bryan Duquette, St. Thomas ON
Jordan Or, Burnaby BC