With 12 of Manitoba's 16 active roster members in their first or second season of eligibility, it's a time of growth for third-year Bisons head coach Arnd 'Lupo' Ludwig's squad as they kicked off the conference season last weekend against Trinity Western on the road. A number of players return from last year's group that hosted and advanced to the consolation final at nationals, however a fair portion need further reps to get comfortable at the U SPORTS level. 

Nonetheless, with a strong recruiting class that includes a number of former teammates and proven winners, and some valuable veterans back, the future is promising, as is the culture of the program

"We had a team meeting yesterday about what we want to do this year. The team culture, I think we took a really big step this year in the direction I want to be," he noted. "For us it's important that even in tough times that we keep this team culture and that we improve as individuals and as a team. It's a building year."


Grahame, Carleton lead balanced attack 
Despite being one of the youngest teams in the conference in 2022-23, there's plenty of talent and depth to go around, more than last year, according to the bench boss.

In terms of attacking, the conversation starts with 6'6" Spencer Grahame and 6'6" Ben Carleton, who combined for 350 kills last season.

Grahame, who had 135 kills and 2.9 points per set, was named to the conference's All-Rookie list, and is primed for an even bigger breakout this year as one of Manitoba's leaders, both vocally as well as physically. He can attack a defence from many different angles and speeds and his defence improved on a weekly basis a year ago. 
 

After offering glimpses of dominant play over his first few campaigns, the fourth-year Carleton had a year to remember in '21-22, finishing in the top five in the conference in kills, with 215.  His 4.2 points per set were also sixth in the conference. 

An increased level of confidence was critical as Carleton proved that he could take over games when given the chance. He had double digit kills in 18 different matches, thanks in part to a refined pipe attack that he shone in. His best showing was a 23-kill display against Brandon last November, a career high that could very well be matched this year. 
 

But as Ludwig mentioned, despite being veterans to the starting lineup, Grahame and Carleton have plenty of depth behind them. The team won't have a redshirt this year, as eight outside hitters will compete for six spots in the rotation. 

Of the eight players included in the mix, third-year 6'6" opposite Matt Campbell is perhaps the most intriguing. He was the story of the post-season for the Herd, contributing 12 kills, seven digs, two blocks and two service aces in three games during the conference playoffs, while hitting at 33 percent efficiency. 

A starter at the beginning of the year who battled through adversity, Campbell offers stability at the service line, and Ludwig noted that he came in more physically ready this season. His play has shown, as he led the team in total attacks against Winnipeg in early October pre-season play, contributing 10.5 points, which tied for the team lead. 
 

Other hitters to keep an eye on are Eric Ogaranko, Connor Morphy, Ethan Hilderbrand, 6'7" Winnipeg Wesmen transfer Nicoles Carter and provincial and club national champion Rowan Krahn. 

"Eric and Connor already got a little bit of experience last year. They are a step higher, and we're going to have Ethan, who redshirted last year, so on the outside we're going to have lots of options and Rowan was probably one of our top passers [in the pre-season], so there are more options on the outside position and we have Nic coming from the U of W as a first year. I definitely have more depth than I had last year and that makes it easier," said Ludwig. 

"Ben and Spencer, they are high up there on the left side, but if they struggle I know I can put someone else in."

Krahn is one of three commits from Westgate, the 2021-22 MHSAA 4A provincial champions who won the banner despite having a roster of just nine. He, along with 6'4" setter Sammy Ludwig and 6'4" middle Harrison Ens are a huge part Manitoba's future, as is 6'5" middle Jordon Heppner, who won an 18U club national championship with the trio. He was also Steinbach's MVP when they won a JV 4A banner in 2019. 

"This 18U team that won nationals last year, they were a really good class and I'd known that for two or three years. It was very early on that I wanted these guys. We were looking definitely at character, that fits perfectly in," said noted Ludwig. 

"It was clear that Rowan, Sammy and Jordy were the ones I had my eyes on early. Jordy I recruited already last year in September or even earlier. [Ens], he's a little bit [undersized], but he makes up for it with smart play and long arms. He has a pretty high reach. When I looked at him last year, he got some really good blocks on that U18 team. He can read the setter pretty good, he's a pretty smart player in the middle."

With the graduation of libero Kyle Martens, the longest tenured member of the roster, it'll be up to fourth-year Mathieu Lavoie to step in defensively. He'll have no issues doing so, having previously started in the AUS conference while being another vocal leader for the team. He overcame a serious injury over the pandemic  and is part of an athletic and smart trio that also includes Bryce Cancilla and Josh Jehle. 


Middle a position of intrigue 
The position with the most intrigue is definitely in the middle. The team's best blocker Brendan Warren won't be in the lineup due to injury and former All-Rookie Darian Koskie is no longer with the program, while Zach Janzen has graduated. This leaves the door wide open for Heppner, Ens and 6'6" second-year Jonah Dueck to step in. 

Chemistry with veteran setter Jack Mandryk, who was also the team's best defensive player a year ago, will be crucial to the middle's success on the attack. Ideally, their ability to open up lanes on offence will reap rewards for the team's pipe attack, with Carleton, Grahame and company looking to get clean looks with the opposing middle preoccupied. 

Dueck, one of the best players in his class coming out of high school, is primed for a standout campaign. Ludwig was ready to start him last year, but injuries derailed his season. Now back to full health, expect him to be a force on the offensive and defensive ends. 

"So far when you look at the three middles, he's definitely our best blocker. I think in attack, he's a lot more stable than last year but I think he can still be quicker there," said Ludwig. 

"We are working a lot on these things, to get his arm fast and make sure he has more shots. The three of them, they fit right in there. What I really like also is that they have a really healthy competition, but everyone respects their teammate at that position."