Swedish Season Kicks Off This Weekend: Who Will Topple the Carlstad Crusaders?
[tps_header]Limhamn Griffins[/tps_header]
The Limhamn Griffins made a highly acclaimed comeback in the Super Series in 2014 but like most new teams had a tough time early on adjusting to the faster tempo. Nevertheless, by the end of the season were playing even with most teams and even snagged a victory.
They will face the Västerås Roedeers, this year’s new team, in their home opener and it will likely be a good litmus test to find out how far they have come in a year.
Head coach John Trana returns for his second year and will again rely on his Swedish quarterback Hampus Kristensson. Although Kristensson had a tough rookie year in the top series in Sweden, he improved dramatically and has grown into the role.
His main target will likely be Fredrik Eklund, the veteran Swedish receiver who is still playing at an all star level. Eklund’s teammates including Elias Hallbäck and Anton Kristensson will enable the Griffins to stretch the field. The addition of Fredrik Karlsson will certainly make a difference.
The ground game relied heavily on Greg Robinson at tailback in 2014 and will do so again this year. The University of Connecticut alum was converted from linebacker which makes him a punishing running back as well.
Like so many other teams in Sweden this season Limhamn has plumbed the talents of Serbia for its offensive line. Branko Mutic and Vladimir Uzelac arrived after playing last season in Germany and will strengthen a group that includes Maximilian Malander from Kristianstad and Vidar Onsberg.
Most of the defensive starters have returned including Simon Nilsson, national team starter David Strobel, Adam Martin and Henric Mårtensson. It will also be interesting to see what Joakim Johansson can contribute. Greg Robinson was a force at linebacker in 2014 and will be counted on again to help Oliver Persson and Marcus Anderson.
The secondary has seen the loss of two starters so Johan Ingerman, Kenny Lundborg and co. will have their work cut out for them.
The Griffins will have benefited from last year’s return to the top series and should enter the year well adjusted to the speed and physicality of the game. They have set lofty goals for 2015 and with a core group of players, not to mention coaches, returning, they may well surprise people.
Watch their home opener against the Västerås Roedeers live here. Kick off 3 PM local Swedish time (9 AM EDT)
Many thanks to the Swedish Football Network and Johan Von Zweigbergk for the information in this article.
