The 1999 – 2000 Niagara Knights dominated the OCAA in every category on their way to becoming the first Knights league sports team to capture a West Region title, an OCAA Gold Medal and qualify for the CCAA Championship. The team of only nine (9) players, led by rookie sensation Graeme Gaunt, Josh Gunnell, Cuneyt (Jun-yet) Akgol, Cameron Jacobs, Matt Piccolo, Andrew Chatel, veteran Kerby Bentley, Shawn Barbisan, and Bill Lang, they led the league in every category with 679 kills, 192 stuffed blocks, 74 service aces and a total offence of 945 points. They finished the season with an impressive 15 - 1 record, a 16 match winning streak and fourth in the nation.

The Knights would return for 2000 – 2001 season without two of their outstanding players in setter Cameron Jacobs and Matt Piccolo to take another run at defending their West Title and OCAA Gold medal. They added much needed depth in veteran Cory Lahey, outstanding middle Justin Ross, setter Brad Harrietha, middles Ryan Baltare, Jason Reimer, and outside hitter/setter Mike King.

They once again dominated the OCAA and cruised through the season going undefeated for the first time in the history of the program and continued that streak into the OCAA Championship. They successfully defended their OCAA West Region title and OCAA Gold Medal Champions. They were ranked as high as #3 in the nation and took another run at the bronze medal but had to settle for fourth in the nation with an outstanding record of 22 and 2.

1999-2000/2000-2001 Team Members

Head Coach Blair Cudmore

Kerby Bentley

Graeme Gaunt

Justin Ross

Josh Gunnell

Cuney (Jun-yet) Akgol

Andrew Chatel

Bill Lang

Mike King

Corey Lahey

Ryan Baltare

Jason Reimer

The following players were absent on the day of the photo.

Shawn Barbisan

Cameron Jacobs

Matt Piccolo

Nathan Marcon

Matthew Vanendal and Team Manager – Matt Forfar