The No. 2-ranked Laurier Golden Hawks have secured their place in the Vanier Cup for the first time in 19 years after a commanding 48-24 win over the No. 6 Bishop’s Gaiters in the Uteck Bowl on Saturday in Lennoxville, Quebec.

This marks Laurier’s first Vanier Cup appearance since 2005 when they triumphed over the Saskatchewan Huskies in a nail-biting 24-23 victory. The Golden Hawks will now face the No. 3-ranked Laval Rouge et Or, who edged out the Regina Rams in the Mitchell Bowl, in the 2024 Vanier Cup final.

Record-Breaking Performance
Laurier’s fourth-year quarterback, Taylor Elgersma, delivered a record-breaking performance, throwing five touchdown passes and setting a new record for passing yards in a bowl game with 452 yards. Elgersma completed 30 of 34 attempts, showcasing why he is the reigning OUA MVP.

Wide receiver Ryan Hughes was a standout, catching three of Elgersma’s touchdown passes, including two pivotal strikes late in the second quarter that extended Laurier’s lead to an insurmountable 34-3 at halftime.

Elgersma’s other touchdown passes connected with Sebastian Parsalidis in the second quarter and Ryan Speight in the fourth. The dynamic offense left the Gaiters struggling to keep up, ensuring Laurier’s path to the championship game.

Golden Hawks Eye Third Vanier Cup Title
The Golden Hawks hold a 2-3 all-time record in Vanier Cups, with their last victory in 2005 being a highlight in the program’s history. As they prepare to take on Laval, the team will aim to add a third championship to their legacy.

2024 Vanier Cup Details
The 2024 Vanier Cup is set for Saturday, November 23, at 1 p.m. ET in Kingston, Ontario. With the Golden Hawks riding high on their Uteck Bowl success, anticipation is building for a thrilling showdown against Laval.

Laurier fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if their team can cap off a remarkable season with a Vanier Cup victory, 19 years after their last championship glory.

Photo: Wilfrid Laurier Golden / Hailey Tripodi