The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FROM one American football league in Europe to another, Mavin Saunders’ 2021 season will continue in Finland.

Saunders is set to join the Helsinki Wolverines of the Vaahteraliiga, the top league of the American Football Association of Finland.

The 6’5”, 258-pound tight end is currently a member of the LG Oled Las Rozas Black Demons club in the Spanish League of American Football, the LNFA Serie-A.

The Black Demons will face the Lidertel Badalona Dracs in the title game on May 15.

“After the season here in Spain, I will be joining the Helsinki Wolverines in Finland. I look forward to helping the team accomplish their goal of winning the Maple Bowl,” Saunders posted to social media.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to continue playing the game of football. To God be the Glory.”

Saunders said his time spent in the second tier league in Spain has been a benefit to both his career and the club.

He looks to bring that same expertise to help bolster the Wolverines.

“We brought with us our expertise in the sport to a country where there are many players who have been hungry to learn. It’s been great to watch the players evolve every day,” he said in a press release issued by the club. “I look forward to bringing my skills to Finland as well, and helping younger and more inexperienced players reach their full potential. “

Saunders has been limited due to injury this season, but has made an immediate impact with four touchdowns receptions on the season thus far. His latest came in his team’s 49-14 win over Mallorca Voltors in the semifinal.

The Wolverines advanced to the 2020 Maple Bowl but were defeated 21-0 by the Kuopio Steelers.

Saunders thinks he can be one of the missing pieces to help the team get over the hump this season

“My decision to join the team was influenced by my conversation with head coach Michael Mattingly . I want to be part of the gang that will help complete this task, “Saunders said, and described himself as a playmaker capable of causing mismatch problems for defenses.

Mattingly echoed Saunders’ sentiments.

“A player like Mavin is a hugely great addition to our team. He’s a former Division 1 player with experience in NFL camping, so he’s exactly what we’re looking for,” he said, “As a long, fast and athletic weapon of attack, he will be a nightmare of the opposing team’s defense. Players like him are rarely met, so we’re very excited to have Mavin in the Wolverines family.”

Wolverines offensive coordinator Kari Leivoja said:. “ I’ve always wanted such a big [tight end] for my own team. I am really satisfied. Welcome Mavin “

In five seasons, Wolverines rose from the second Division to the Vaahteraliiga. They won their only Vaahteraliiga title in 2011. The Vaahteraliiga season is played in summer, with a schedule usually from May to September.