Sweden: Carlstad Crusaders sign Team Finland WR Kristian Natunen

The Carlstad Crusaders continue to load up for the 2024 Swedish Superserien season with the signing of Finnish national team wide receiver Kristian Natunen.

The 6′, 205 pound, 23 year old from Porvoo, Finland spent the 2023 season with his hometown Porvoo Butchers and was a key factor in helping the Butchers capture the Maple League championship for the first time since 2010 and seventh time in their history. In 11 games he caught 47 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. He spent the 2022 season in the German Football League playing for the Straubing Spiders and caught 14 passes for 228 yards and two scores.

He was also a key member of the Team Finland team that captured silver in the 2023 IFAF European Men’s Championship.

Head coach Christian Forsman on signing the Finnish national team player:

“Feels very good to get a leader at the wide receiver position who can help the offense take the next step. We have a very young squad with good breadth but lacked a top wideout last year. I think Kristian will contribute in many ways, partly because he is a winner who comes from a winning culture, which is something that needs to be recreated here if we are to reach the next level, but also because he possesses good speed combined with a physical style of play both with and without the ball and it fits very well with the offense we are building now.

Natunen will join the Crusaders newest quarterback, Slade Jarman, on offense as the team looks to return to its championship form.

Kristian Natunen:

“I was impressed by what the Crusaders could present, their organization and the clear goals for the coming season. Having the opportunity to play with an excellent quarterback like Slade feels very inspiring and we got in touch right away.”

Check out highlights from the 2023 season with the Porvoo Butchers

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