EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE Oulu Northern Lights Season 2016 begins
The Oulu Northern Lights face the Kotka Eagles in the season opener for both teams on May 15th. The game is a highly anticipated match between two Finnish Division III powers.
The Eagles are mostly young, but their roster also features several players with years of top level Maple League experience under their belt. The Eagles are lead by 26-year veteran quarterback #41 Niclas Carpelan and respected team captain linebacker #7 Patrik Thesleff.
The clash turns out to be the highest scoring game of the weekend. A total of 106 points are scored.
Running back #21 Juuso Kantola carries the ball, wearing the Eagles defense down.
Quarterback #11 Othman Al-Kubaisi throws for three touchdowns and runs in another three.
Linebackers #16 Joonas Taina and #33 Mario Guerrero Cherem force a fumble in the fourth quarter. Defensive captain #57 Aku Koivumäki recovers the ball for a decisive turnover.
WR #8 Aleksi Statsevich catches a touchdown to give the home team a ten point lead with only a few minutes left.
After an Eagles touchdown, young linebacker #30 Eetu Lehtiniemi recovers the final onside kick in his first game for the men's team.
Northern Lights defeat the Eagles 54-52 in an instant classic in front of cheering Oulu fans.
The win feels great. But the boys know the work has just started.
Lead by an experienced staff featuring the legendary American coach Tim Johnson, the team is looking ahead for the summer ahead.