Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Elks kicker Vincent Blanchard prepares for Grey Cup after record season
Edmonton Elks kicker Vincent Blanchard journaled his kicks this season to help clear his mind and focus on what he needs to do on the field.
The 28-year-old from Quebec City led CFL kickers with 55 field goals and 93.2% accuracy in his second full season.
He also set a CFL record with nine field goals in one game against Hamilton on September 26.
His season earned him second place in voting for the league's special teams award, behind Winnipeg's Trey Vaval.
Blanchard and Edmonton face the Montreal Alouettes in Sunday's Grey Cup at Calgary's McMahon Stadium, where winds can shift during play.
He says he will check the forecast on Saturday and be ready when called, because a kick or two could decide a close final.
Edmonton Elks kicker Vincent Blanchard is preparing for Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes in Calgary.
Blanchard set a CFL record with nine field goals in one game against Hamilton on Sept. 26.
He led all kickers with 55 field goals and a 93.2 per cent success rate this season.
He also kicked a 57-yard walk-off field goal against Saskatchewan on July 23.
Blanchard began journaling his kicks and outcomes this season to support his mental preparation.
- Who
- Vincent Blanchard, kicker for the Edmonton Elks.
- What
- He is preparing for the Grey Cup after a record-setting season.
- When
- The Grey Cup is scheduled for Sunday; the article was published Nov. 12, 2026.
- Where
- The game is at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.
- Why
- Blanchard says journaling helps him clear his mind and prepare to kick well.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Blanchard made five field goals to help the University of Laval win the Vanier Cup.
The Montreal Alouettes drafted Blanchard in the fourth round, 31st overall, then released him from training camp.
The Alouettes brought Blanchard back to their practice roster.
Blanchard played his rookie CFL season and made 77.8 per cent of 45 field-goal attempts.
Blanchard kicked a 57-yard walk-off field goal against Saskatchewan.
Blanchard set a CFL record with nine field goals in a game against Hamilton.
- Team
- Edmonton Elks
- Grey Cup opponent
- Montreal Alouettes
- Grey Cup venue
- McMahon Stadium, Calgary
- Field goals this season
- 55
- Field-goal percentage this season
- 93.2 per cent
- Single-game record
- Nine field goals against Hamilton on Sept. 26
What people are saying
I showed what I can really do in this league, I showed my potential and my real value in this league
The job is not done.
When your name is called, you need to be ready.
I was ready all year and I want to continue to be.