Finland: Kuopio Steelers secure playoff home advantage with dominant win over Helsinki Wolverines
The Kuopio Steelers (7-3) clinched home-field advantage for the Maple League playoffs with a commanding 32-6 victory over the Helsinki Wolverines (1-9) at a rain-soaked Olympic Velodrome, overcoming early nerves and slippery conditions to seal their postseason positioning.
Steelers weather slow start
Facing a must-win scenario, Kuopio struggled initially, with their opening drive stifled by Helsinki’s defense. Quarterback KHari Lane broke the deadlock late in the first quarter, connecting with Samuli Iso-Möttönen for the first of his four touchdown passes. Lane surpassed 2,000 passing yards for the season, finishing with 199 yards through the air.
Greenfield powers ground game
Running back Ethan Greenfield, initially slated for limited action, rushed for 129 yards in the first half alone, eclipsing 1,100 yards for the season. His relentless carries softened Helsinki’s defense, creating opportunities for Lane’s aerial strikes. Nicolas Kuikka anchored Kuopio’s defense with multiple key stops, though frequent fumbles—a byproduct of the wet turf—marred an otherwise dominant performance.
Wolverines showcase defensive grit
Helsinki, playing their season finale, tested Kuopio with inspired defensive efforts. Lineman Tyran Dixon notched 10.5 tackles, while Alvin Reels Jr. added six stops. Rookie quarterback Teemu Hautakangas managed a turnover-free debut, though two interceptions and dropped passes limited Helsinki’s momentum. Running back Sebastian Lugora scored his first touchdown of the season on a 14-carry, 50-yard effort, avoiding a shutout with a fourth-quarter score.
Slippery conditions define chaos
The rain-slicked field led to six combined fumbles, including three consecutive turnovers in the second quarter—a potential league first. Kuopio adapted better, converting short-field opportunities into 26 unanswered first-half points.
Playoff horizon
The Steelers enter the postseason riding momentum, their balanced offense (199 passing yards, 129 rushing yards) and opportunistic defense proving playoff-ready. Helsinki concludes a challenging season with flashes of promise, particularly on defense, as they regroup for 2026.
Key stats:
- Kuopio: KHari Lane (4 TD passes, 199 yards), Ethan Greenfield (129 rushing yards).
- Helsinki: Sebastian Lugora (1 TD, 50 rushing yards), Tyran Dixon (10.5 tackles).
The Steelers now turn their focus to hosting a playoff clash, while Helsinki begins an offseason rebuild.
