Finland: East City Giants host Helsinki Wolverines in critical basement battle
The East City Giants (1-7) host the Helsinki Wolverines (1-6) in a pivotal Week 10 Finnish Maple League clash at Myllypuro Stadium, with both teams fighting to avoid last place in a rematch of their season-opening thriller.
Basement battle in Myllypuro
This marks the second meeting between the teams, following the Wolverines’ narrow 13-9 victory in June. While the Giants, reigning second-league champions, have shown flashes of growth despite injuries, their campaign has been marred by inconsistency. The Wolverines hit a nadir in Week 9 with a dismal and shocking 41-0 loss to the previously winless Tampere Saints, raising questions about their resilience under playoff pressure.
Giants’ defensive boost
East City welcomes back American guard Nolan Bernat, whose return bolsters a defense ranked second in domestic tackles. Linebacker Felix Salonen (38.5 tackles) trails Wasa Royals’ Raul Khalifa by half a tackle for the Matti Lindholm Trophy. However, running back Arttu Blomqvist remains questionable, leaving the offense vulnerable.
Wolverines’ last stand
Helsinki faces a must-win scenario to avoid cementing eighth place. The loss of offensive lineman Bennie Anderson (returning to the U.S.) is partially offset by Juuso Voutilainen’s return, but pass-rusher Jonis Heikkinen (sack leader) remains doubtful. With games against the Porvoon Butchers (8-0) and Kuopio Steelers (5-2) looming, this matchup is their clearest path to redemption.
Stakes and legacy
A Giants win would validate their incremental progress, while the Wolverines aim to prove their early-season victory wasn’t a fluke. Both teams’ trajectories hinge on minimizing errors—East City averages 37.3 points per game allowed, Helsinki 32.2. With pride and avoiding the “jumbo” (last) place on the line, Thursday’s clash promises gritty, season-defining football.
