The SubZero 14U boys have struck gold at the B.C. Provincials.

SubZero 14U Boys sent two 14U Boys teams to the 2023 Volleyball B.C. Provincial Championships (13/14U Boys and Girls), in Abbotsford, B.C. Apr 28–30.

The B.C. Club Provincials is B.C.’s largest Club Volleyball Tournament, held at four venues, this year hosting over 200 teams.

Whitehorse’s Club SubZero 14U Boys’ team Big Tippers had the competition searching for tips. Led by the unnerved play of Armand Guilbeault, and Mannix Bingham, the Big Tippers defeated six teams in a row, sweeping Div. 2, being crowned Provincial Champions, and bringing the gold back to Whitehorse.

Gabe St-Pierre also showed nerves of steel, with exemplary serving. While the Big Tippers were down 15-24 to Vancouver Northshore BCO, Gabe landed 11 jump float serves in a row, despite two time-outs. The question was asked if Gabe had ice in his veins. Gabe’s serves inspired the team to the 26-24 victory over BCO.

It was great to see players improving throughout the tournament, learning from their mistakes, and the competition. Grady Macleod was the most improved player, taking his passing and back-row hits to another level. Meanwhile, Kaeden Laluk’s intuitive blocking, and competitive focus, contributed to the team success.

All players on the team were contributing and rising to the occasion. During time outs and post-game, coach Teramura’s wise words and philosophy helped shape a positive mindset, allowing players to take risks on the court. Teramura emphasizes not worrying about making mistakes, but stay aggressive, and to keep swinging.

In the Semifinals, the Big Tippers faced Burnaby’s Tri City Area Club Focus. This game went three matches, as time ran down, and intensity rose, and the ref’s patience wore thin; SubZero coaches were awarded a yellow card.

Ronin Teramura’s aggressive serve, and Sam Adam’s steady net play and execution of party balls helped steer the victory. Club Focus would need to focus a little harder, coming up just short of the goal.

The Big Tippers faced Vancouver’s 604 Hyacks in the final. The Hyacks had great defence, were well coached, and had an enthusiastic crowd behind them.

Officiating here was super tight. When the ball exited the setter’s hands, and did more than one rotation, it often resulted in a double contact or carry being called. This was inconsistent with other refs, adding pressure to an already high stakes final. This began drawing reaction from players, coaches and fans. The Big Tippers remained calm, focussed, and defeated the 604 Hyacks in the third set 15-13 to be crowned Provincial Champions.

The 14UB Hit-Men, led by inspirational Jeremias Velasquez Lopez, went 1-5. The solid net presence of Noah Zaiden, and unpredictable set distribution from Kona Turpin helped the Hit-Men take a set off the Prince George Kodiaks Black. The Hit-Men rallied to defeat Nanaimo’s Poseidon Mariners in a nail-biting third set to finish on a win. Coachs Martin Turpin and Andrei Regis helped guide the victory through critical time-out feedback.

Sub Zero teams have been training and preparing for this tournament, for their club season. Club teams down south have the advantage of drawing on larger populations, playing more games, and competing in more club tournaments. It’s encouraging to see the hard work, dedication and focus of these Yukon athletes result in this level of success.

– Submitted by Nathan Bingham