Facing Laval Rouge et Or in the 2007 Uteck Bowl, former Saint Mary's Huskies quarterback Erik Glavic blew out his knee. The Huskies defeated Laval in the contest and advanced to the Vanier Cup but couldn't capture the championship without their star quarterback.
This Saturday at Laval Stadium of all places, Glavic can complete his championship journey that fell one week short two years ago when he leads the Calgary Dinos against the Queen's Gaels.
''I feel like I got cheated out of the first time,'' said Glavic. ''Not being able to play was really tough for me. It was just devastating.''
In his first year as a Dino, Glavic set himself up for another title shot by becoming the first player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport history to win the Hec Crighton Award with two different teams - this season with the Dinos and in 2007 with Saint Mary's.
''Individually, I think I've had a pretty solid year and as a team, we've done great things,'' said Glavic. ''All that we're missing is to finish it off with this Vanier Cup.''
It would be all that's missing from Glavic's CIS resume, but the chance for a pro career is uncertain after re-injuring his knee in 2008.
''The CFL dream for me was sort of given up, but it's starting to get revived a little bit now,'' he said.
Because Glavic was not drafted last year, his only path to the Canadian Football League would be as a free agent or to be added to a negotiation list.
The bias against Canadian quarterbacks would also hurt his chances, so Glavic is willing to switch to wide receiver and at 6'6'' and 230 lbs., he has the physical tools.
Dinos head coach Blake Nill, who has two Vanier Cups (Saint Mary's - 2001 and 2002) on his resume, doesn't doubt the possibilities in Glavic's future.
''People don't realize that at Saint Mary's he played basketball (as well), and he's an athlete that makes things happen,'' said Nill. ''He's a competitor.''
Glavic had the most accurate passing season in school history at 67.5 per cent, passing for 2,186 yards - the fourth-best season in program history - and finished second in Canada West in passing yards.
He was also fourth in the conference with 503 yards rushing and was joined in the backfield by Matt Walter, the 2008 Canada West MVP and the rushing champion for the second straight season.
Catch the championship match live on TSN, Saturday at Noon et/9am pt and on-demand at TSN.ca following the conclusion of the broadcasts.