Just over a month after a devastating crash that tragically took the life of one of their own, and left two others permanently sidelined, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball team rallied around each other and took to the court Friday night in Winnipeg.

In a game that was more about playing for each other and honouring their teammates that couldn’t be there, the ‘Pack picked up a 3-1 (25-21, 28-26, 26-28, 25-19) win over the Winnipeg Wesmen.

Matthew Hamilton put together one of the best games of his WolfPack career to finish with 17 kills, two aces, five blocks, and eight digs.

Sam Flowerday racked up 16 kills on just 33 attempts while Rylan Ibbetson added 14 in his 27 attacks.

Setter Sam Elgert had an outstanding game for the WolfPack with 54 assists in just four sets.

“That was for 2, 15, and 19,” said Coach Pat Hennelly following the result – a reference to the jersey numbers of the three players who couldn’t be there.

Riley Brinnen is set to be moved to the GF Strong Recovery Centre in Vancouver as he heals from a severe spinal cord injury.

Owen Waterhouse remains in a medically induced coma at Royal Inland Hospital with severe brain trauma following the Nov. 29 crash just outside the gates of Thompson Rivers University on McGill Road.

Thus far the RCMP have not provided much detail into the multi-vehicle crash which injured the two Wolfpack players, and also took the life of Owyn McInnis.

A Celebration of Life for McInnis is slated for this coming Wednesday at the TCC Gym.

🏐 MVB FINAL | What a win. What a special, special group.#FearTheWolf pic.twitter.com/HWsDvLxteT

— TRU WolfPack 🐺 (@GoTRUWolfPack) January 6, 2024