CALGARY — Edmonton Elks kicker Vincent Blanchard has added a notebook to his preparations this season, using it to clear his mind during a record-setting year that now leads to Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes.

The 28-year-old from Quebec City told The Canadian Press on Thursday that he began recording his kicks and their outcomes in 2026, a practice he had not used before.

“When I have something in my mind, I write it in my book,” Blanchard said. He uses the journal to put thoughts aside or identify key words that help him execute on the field.

“I was just trying to do something better for the mental aspect.”

In reporting by Donna Spencer of The Canadian Press, published by Global News, Blanchard described a season in which he led CFL kickers with 55 field goals and a 93.2 per cent success rate. He finished runner-up to Winnipeg returner Trey Vaval for the league’s special teams award.

His highlights included a CFL-record nine field goals against Hamilton on Sept. 26 and a game-winning, 57-yard field goal at Saskatchewan on July 23 that moved Edmonton to the top of the West Division.

The next test is Calgary’s McMahon Stadium, where wind can change during a game. Blanchard said he would check the forecast Saturday, noting that his previous appearances there with Edmonton had mostly brought calm conditions.

“When your name is called, you need to be ready,” he said. “I was ready all year and I want to continue to be.”

Blanchard’s accuracy has climbed from 77.8 per cent on 45 attempts in his rookie season in 2025. He attributes his development to experience and becoming more comfortable in the professional environment.

Elks head coach Mark Kilam said support has also mattered for a player who wants coaching but can be too hard on himself.

“He is so talented. He needed people to believe in him,” Kilam said.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo noticed Blanchard writing in the locker room this season and said the team trusts him if the championship comes down to a kick.

Blanchard has delivered in a title game before: he went five-for-five on field goals when Laval beat Saskatchewan in the 2022 Vanier Cup.

Sources