Finnish Maple League Week 4: Unbeaten Butchers, Royals headline weekend slate
The Porvoon Butchers (2–0) and Wasa Royals (3–0) headline a four-game Finnish Maple League weekend slate, with playoff implications heating up across all matchups.
Thursday, July 3
Butchers test Wolverines’ defense
The Helsinki Wolverines (1–2), allowing 85 total points over three games (28.3 PPG), host the league-leading Porvoon Butchers (48.0 PPG offense, 10.5 PPG defense) on July 3. Helsinki’s red-zone struggles, evident in their Week 3 37–17 loss to Wasa, must be resolved to counter Porvoon’s balanced attack.
Friday, July 4
Saints seek first win against Roosters
The Tampere Saints (0–3), surrendering 72.0 PPG, face the Helsinki Roosters (2–1) on July 4. Helsinki’s defense (9 PPG allowed) and improving ground game could exploit Tampere’s porous run defense.
Saturday, July 5 doubleheader
Royals, Steelers in spotlight
- Kuopio Steelers (1–2) vs. East City Giants (1–2): The Steelers, allowing 48 total points over three games (16.0 PPG), host the Giants, who’ve conceded 81 points this season. Both teams aim to climb the mid-table ladder.
- Seinäjoki Crocodiles (1–1) vs. Wasa Royals (3–0): The unbeaten Royals, fresh off a 37–17 win over the Wolverines, face Seinäjoki’s defense (13.5 PPG allowed). Wasa’s methodical offense (22.3 PPG) meets a stiff test.
Key storyline: Defensive discipline
With Porvoon (10.5 PPG allowed) and Kuopio (16.0 PPG allowed) showcasing strong defenses, their opponents must minimize turnovers. The Helsinki Wolverines’ secondary, burned for 587 passing yards so far this season, faces Butchers QB Christian Arrambide’s deep arsenal. Meanwhile, Tampere’s struggles (72.0 PPG allowed) risk another blowout against the Roosters’ ascending attack.
