Historic Helsinki clash: East City Giants host Helsinki Roosters in Maple League revival
The East City Giants (1-6) face their first matchup in 24 years against city rivals, the Helsinki Roosters (5-2), at Myllypuro stadium on Thursday, reigniting a rivalry that last saw postseason action in 2001. The Giants, struggling in their return to the elite league, aim to defy odds against the reigning champions, who seek to solidify their playoff push.
A rivalry reborn after 24 years
The teams’ last meeting occurred in the 2001 semifinals, where the Roosters dominated 45-0 en route to the Maple Bowl. While the Giants returned to the league this season after a 24-year absence, their campaign has been rocky, with their lone win coming against the winless Tampere Saints (21-14). The Roosters, meanwhile, have won five of seven games, leveraging their veteran core to rank second in the standings.
Giants’ uphill battle against injury woes
The East City Giants enter Thursday’s game hampered by injuries. Star center Arttu Blomqvist (offense) and defensive leader Nolan Bernati are listed as questionable, while top wide receiver Daniel Rubinstein (341 yards, 4 TDs) is ruled out. With Rubinstein sidelined, pressure falls on quarterback Rayna Stewart and underutilized receiver Jabari Harris, who has 31 receiving yards across five appearances. Stewart, sacked 20 times this season, faces a Roosters defense that leads the league with 25 sacks.
Roosters target city dominance
The Roosters, already victorious over fellow Helsinki rivals, the Helsinki Wolverines (56-25), aim to complete a sweep of city opponents. Despite offseason recruitment challenges, the team has relied on returning homegrown talent to fuel their 230:80 point differential. However, they’ll be without second-leading receiver Santtu Vehkomäki, adding urgency for depth players to step up.
Key matchup: Giants’ O-line vs. Roosters’ pass rush
Thursday’s game hinges on the Giants’ ability to protect Stewart against the Roosters’ relentless pass rush. The Roosters average 3.6 sacks per game, while the Giants’ offensive line has allowed 20 sacks—second-worst in the league. If Stewart can find time, Harris and rookie targets must exploit a Roosters secondary that allowed 37 points in a recent loss to Kuopio Steelers.
Historical context
The Giants’ last Maple League game before their 2025 return was a 48-6 loss to Turku Trojans in the 2001 bronze medal match. For the Roosters, Thursday offers a chance to reassert dominance in a revived rivalry—and edge closer to a potential seventh Maple Bowl appearance.
With pride and playoff implications at stake, the Giants seek redemption, while the Roosters aim to prove their championship pedigree remains intact. Kickoff is set for 19:30 at Myllypuro stadium.
Source: Vaahteraliga.
