LIVESTREAM Sweden: Carlstad Crusaders @ Stockholm Mean Machines, June 12, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)

| American Football | 06/12/2021

The Swedish Superserien returns to play with an exciting and condensed format. This weekend kicks off a short four game regular season in Sweden’s top league. Today’s game is a rematch of last year’s championship with the Stockholm Mean Machines hosting the defending champion Calstad Crusaders.

The Mean Machines enter the season already dealing with some adversity as their planned starter for the season, Chris Merchant, was injured in the championship game in Spain less than a month ago. Stockholm moved quickly replacing one Canadian star with another, as Brett Hunchak has been announced as their new starter. Brett Hunchak comes to Sweden after a stellar career at York University where he broke school passing records for all time yards and touchdowns. Look for Hunchak to target receivers Anton Jallai and Mattew Retzlaff against a tough and experienced Crusaders defense.

Carlstad Crusaders @ Stockholm Mean Machines, June 12, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET) Game is geoblocked for Swedish viewers who can click here to view the game.

Hunchak is one of a few new faces in Stockholm as coach Fredrik Pilbäck has brought in three former Schwabisch Hall Unicorns (Germany) in linebacker Nikolas Knoblauch, offensive lineman Moritz Schreiber and nose tackle Alexander Kress. Pilbäck hopes the three former German champions will mesh well with Stockholm returning core of defensive back Omar Fall, offensive lineman Adam Fondak, and receiver Ludvig Myrén.

The defending champion Crusaders go into the short season with a familiar face at quarterback. Timothy Morovick joins the Crusaders after spending 2020 with the same Mean Machines. This creates an interesting dynamic as Morovick will face his former team and a coaching staff and defense that knows him well.

Morovick joins a BD Kennedy lead squad that returns a solid core of talent. This group was able to knock off the back to back champs in Stockholm and win their first championship since 2018. Carlstad’s defense was the strength of their team in 2020, and Crusaders fans are hoping for more of the same as safety Darius Lewis and linebacker Mattias Eriksson are back for 2021. The addition of French defensive back Pierre Courageux could make this secondary the best in the country. Serbian athlete Strahinja Stepovic joins a talented core of Carlstad receivers as Robin Juhlin and Kevin Börzsei both return Carlstad. On the offensive line, the Crusaders bring back Niklas Johansson, Robert Heed, and John Lindren. The Crusaders offensive line play will be crucial in this one as Stockholm’s front seven is much improved.

This matchup produced an entertaining 14-12 classic in last years Swedish championship game. Today’s rematch sets to the tone for a excellent season of football in Sweden as its two top teams face off in a fast paced schedule where every game matters.

Watch the game live here. Carlstad Crusaders @ Stockholm Mean Machines, June 12, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET) (Game is geoblocked in Sweden)

Stockholm Mean Machines roster

Carlstad Crusaders roster

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and