His performances on the Canadian scene have instilled a great deal of confidence in kicker Vincent Blanchard, who is enjoying the best moments of his career with a series of 14 consecutive field goals.
En route to the Rouge et Or’s 11th national title last November, Blanchard had scored four goals in five attempts in the Mitchell Cup against the Western Mustangs and was perfect in five attempts in the Vanier Cup against the Huskies of the Saskatchewan.
In two games against Sherbrooke and McGill since the start of the season, Blanchard scored 1000 in six tries. “It’s going well and I’m continuing my momentum from last year,” he said. The Mitchell Cup and Vanier Cup gave me a lot of confidence. I started the season in a good mood.”
“I’m not 100% satisfied with my three types of kicks yet,” added the former soccer goalkeeper, “but I’m not far from my best career streak.”
His last missed field goal in an RSEQ game dates back to the 2022 Dunsmore Cup, but his shot still gave the Rouge et Or a dramatic 25-24 victory on the final play of the game.
“I didn’t get the result I wanted, but the kick was profitable for the team,” recalls the CNDF product. In the end we won and that’s the most important thing.”
Charles-Lee Alarie-Tardif came down like a rocket in coverage and prevented the Carabins returner from leaving the end zone, giving Laval red and the win.
Great development
Blanchard believes he has changed enormously since his debut at Laval in 2020. “I have experienced incredible development,” he said. I’m not the same guy that came in. I gained self-confidence, but I also worked a lot personally. I still have a long way to go, but I’m on the right track.”
New coach
With Christopher Milo moving to the Montreal area, the Rouge et Or found a new kicking coach. This is American Steve Wolf, who has occasionally worked with the team in the past. He has appeared in Quebec three times since last spring, including for a few days during training camp.
“I worked with Chris for a long time and it was difficult at first because I had to change my technique a little, but everything is good. I’m used to change since this is my fifth coach. We take advantage of him being there to work hard, but it’s not a problem that we’re apart.