The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns will make the flight to the Finnish capital of Helsinki to take on the Scandinavian powerhouse Helsinki Roosters in this friendly game matchup.
These two teams planned on playing in 2021 but had to reschedule because of the pandemic. Now, finally after a year in the making, fans, coaches, and players will get to see a pair of the best programs in Europe battle it out.
The Unicorns go into 2022 with new quarterback Reilly Hennessey at the helm. The Italian-American made one appearance for the Schwäbisch Hall last season starting in the German Bowl loss to the Dresden Monarchs, filling in for injured starter Alex Haupert. Now Hennessy is the full-time quarterback and looks to get the Unicorns back to the German Bowl this year and finish the season hoisting the trophy.
LIVESTREAM Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns @ Helsinki Roosters, April 23, 13:00 (7 ET, 1 PM)
Former Oregon State (NCAA D1) running back Micky Alfieri and last year’s starting tailback John Santiago will join Hennessy in what should be one of Europe’s best backfields. Former NFL tight end Moritz Bohringer is also back in green along with receiver Tyler Rutenbeck. A veteran offensive line led by Allesandro Vergani and Lucas Maier aim to be able to get the offense in rhythm against a physical Roosters defense.
Defensively, the Unicorns bring back veteran linebacker Nick Alferi and safety Cody Pastorino. Some new faces in the secondary are Italian national team defensive back Giuseppe Della Vecchia and former CFL safety Mitch Fettig.
For the hometown Roosters, they also finished second in their domestic league last season and now aim to climb to the top of the Finnish Maple League once again. Similar to their opponents today, Helsinki also has a new quarterback bringing in former Indianapolis University (NCAA D2) passer Bryce Stancombe. Stancombe had a decorated NCAA career and now will begin his international career in an excellent spot with the Roosters.
Expect him to target receivers Willem Kajander and Santtu Vehkomaki. Bruising running back Mario Olsson Caicedo Jr also joins the Roosters from the Stockholm Mean Machine. Expect him to get plenty of carries behind a strong Finnish offensive line.
Head coach Juha Hakala has also brought in veteran defensive back Emory Polley. Polley is a former all Ivy-League player with experience playing in Germany and Japan. Polley will be paired with first-time international player Nolan Bernat, who recently finished his career as a defensive back at the University of Illinois (NCAA D1). Some other key players to watch on this defense are linebacker Taavi Aronpää and defensive linemen Kaleb Wezdenko and Christer Berg.
Fans around Europe are expecting big things from both of these traditional powerhouses in 2022. Both the Unicorns and the Roosters are out to prove they can maintain their winning ways and bring them further into this decade. Today’s friendly game will give fans a first look to see where they are at early in the season.
LIVESTREAM Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns @ Helsinki Roosters, April 23, 13:00 (7 ET, 1 PM)
Helsinki Roosters roster
Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns roster
