Der European League of Football Meister aus Wien gibt die Verpflichtung von Center Matthew Daltrey und Runningback Karri Pajarinen bekannt. Der schottische Offensive Lineman war schon 2022 Teil des so erfolgreichen Vikings Teams, mit dem finnischen Athleten Pajarinen holt man einen der besten europäischen Runningbacks in die Donaumetropole.
O-Liner Daltrey und RB Pajarinen im 2023 Roster der Vikings
Für die Vikings Fans gibt es heute noch zwei Extra-Pakete unterm Christbaum: In Päckchen Nummer eins steckt der schottische Offensive Lineman Matthew Daltrey. Der Center, der vor seiner Verpflichtung bei den Vikings drei Jahre lang für die Helsinki Roosters in der Maple League tätig war, unterschrieb für ein weiteres Jahr bei Wien und kann es kaum erwarten wieder mit seinen Teamkollegen loszulegen: „I was honoured to hear that even with the lower number of European imports allowed this season that the Vikings intended on bringing me back. I loved being part of this amazing team last season and am looking forward to being with my brothers again. Can’t wait to lift that trophy with my Vikings family once again!“
Daltrey Rückkehr nach Wien ist also mit der Mission ‚Titelverteidigung‘ eng verknüpft. Das unterstreicht auch Vienna Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay, der auch die Qualitäten von Matthew abseits des Feldes betont: „He is one of those teammates that does whatever it takes to get us in the position to win. Either with his play on the field or his natural charisma to give the team the lift that we need. We kept a vital part of our OL with Matthew returning.“
HC Calaycay: „Karri combines size, agility, power and speed!“
Auch das zweite ‚Packerl‘ unterm Vikings Christbaum ist ein ehemaliger Helsinki Rooster, der 2022 einen einjährigen Zwischenstopp beim GFL Vizemeister Potsdam eingelegt hat. Der Finne Karri Pajarinen soll eine der gefährlichen Offensiv-Waffen der Wiener werden. Für Head Coach Chris Calaycay war Karri einer der Wunschspieler für 2023. Schnelligkeit, Athletik, Beweglichkeit und Kraft sind jene Attribute, mit denen der Meistertrainer seinen neuesten Rosterzugang beschreibt: „Karri is one of those backs that combines size, agility, power and speed. Not to mention, he catches the ball naturally. He was one of THE top European players on the market this offseason, and we are thrilled that he accepted our offer. We are more than ready to welcome another Finnish friend to the Vikings.“
Wir haben dem 24jährigen Runningback (178cm, 94kg) vorab ein paar Fragen gestellt.
Why did you sign with us?
Karri: Vienna has a well-established culture of winning, which has brought them continuous success over the years. It is also one of the leading organizations in Europe, with the best possible facilities to accommodate players’ needs. So, I feel it really is a privilege to get to join the Vikings family!
What are your expectations for 2023?
Karri: I expect a highly competitive league with new challenges and opportunities. With all the new teams joining the league it’s going to be an exciting season for all of Europe.
What do you look forward to?
Karri: I’m all about learning new things, so naturally, I look forward to learning from the elite coaching staff that has been the foundation for the Vikings’ success for so many years. I also look forward to meeting all the players and people who made the Vikings so successful this year!
What is your opinion of the league and going into it with the reigning champion?
Karri: In my opinion, the league has taken the crown for being the most competitive league in Europe. At least speaking from the player’s perspective, looking for the most consistent competition this is the league to play in.
