Fresh off their best regular season finish in nine years at 14-6 (including going 10-0 in 2026), the Bisons men's volleyball program has been recognized with two Canada West All-Star selections, both at the middle position. Jordon Heppner was named Second Team All-Star for the second season in a row, while Jonah Dueck was also selected as a Second Team All-Star. It's his first time earning the honour. 

It's the first time in over two decades that two Bisons middles have been named conference all-stars in the same season.

Jonah and Jordy had exceptional seasons and were very important to our team's success. Both athletes performed consistently at a high level and made the middle position a clear strength of our line, especially during the second half of the season," said Bisons head coach Arnd 'Lupo' Ludwig. 

"Their impact went well beyond the statistics. Jonah's blocking presence had a strong influence on matches, and created momentum for our team, while Jordy's serving put opponents under constant pressure and created important scoring opportunities. Together, they played a central role in elevating our overall performance and competitiveness. As a coach it's a dream having these two anchor the middle of the court. When we're in system, they're hitting over .500 or .600 on any given night. They don't just provide points - they provide confidence the whole team can rally behind."



Heppner earns his third overall all-star selection, after earning All-Rookie and Rookie of the Year honours in 2023. He's the first Bison in a decade to be named a three-time all-star, with the last being Kenny Rooney (Rookie of the Year in 2013, First Team All-Star in 2015 and 2016). 

The Steinbach Sabres alum padded the stat sheet in all areas. His .455 hitting percentage led Canada West, and was second in the nation, while his 29 aces led the Herd and were fourth in Canada West. Defensively, Heppner's 1.13 blocks per set were third in Canada West and fourth in the nation, as were his 78 total blocks. 

One of the most consistent servers in Canada, Heppner has recorded over 20 aces in every season he's been with the Bisons. His 41 aces a year ago were the second-most in the regular season in school history (rally scoring era), and his 113 career regular season aces rank second in school history in the rally scoring era. He's one of just three Bisons in the modern era to amass over 100 career regular season aces. Meanwhile, Heppner's 305 career regular season blocks are fifth all-time in the rally scoring era for Manitoba.

"You look at the season Jordy has had, reaching 100 career regular season aces recently (being only the third athlete in school history to hit that mark), it really is a testament to the handwork he's put in over his four years with the program. He's been one of our most consistent performers since day one, and his growth from his rookie of the year season to now is a big reason why we we've been able to be so competitive this season," added Ludwig.

"His serving, blocking, attacking and even his defense have been the best they've ever been, and he's constantly pushing himself and others to get better every day in practice"



One of the most accomplished middles in the modern era of the program, Dueck earns his first all-star nod after leading Canada West in blocks per set for the third time in the last five years. The Rosenort Boogeyman never tallied less than 76 total blocks in a full regular season as a Bison, finishing with a career-high 85 in 2025-26. Offensively, Dueck's 82 kills and .443 hittin percentage were also career highs. 

Dueck's 1.29 blocks per set were the most in the conference and second-most in the nation, with his 85 total blocks ranking second in CanWest and third in U SPORTS. Overall at Manitoba, Dueck recorded 320 career regular season blocks, fourth all-time in the rally scoring era in school history. He's one of just five Bisons overall in the current era to rack up over 300 career regular season blocks.