Electrifying Vipers

MWFL names nine Vipers competitors to All-Decade Team

In commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Maritime Women’s Football League, the league named its All-Decade Team. Nine players from the Moncton Vipers earned the honour of being named to the team, including Mandy Hamilton-Mallais.

As the first-ever winner of the MWFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award in 2005, she made a historic mark on the league. A three-time MWFL All-Star from 2005 to 2007, she was also the recipient of the Most Outstanding Running Back award in 2006.

She would pave the way for another star at running back for the Vipers; Justine Barter. An initial selection to the 2013 Canadian national women’s football team, Barter proudly followed in her footsteps. In 2009 and 2010, she would earn some of her own hardware by claiming the Most Outstanding Offensive Player Award.

The Moncton Vipers also had several volunteers named to the All-Decade Team. Glenna Jones, who was named the 2007 MWFL Volunteer of the Year, was part of the honored list of volunteers. In addition, Gilles Lavoie was recognized for his contributions to the Vipers as a coach.

As the father of Vipers quarterback Jenny Miller, they are one of only two father-daughter combinations named to the All-Decade Team (the other being Larry and Lisa Harlow with Saint John). A five-time All-Star selection on offense for the Vipers, being named was a great point of pride for Miller,

“It means a lot to be a part of the MWFL and that our league will forever go down in history as Canada’s first. Thank you to everyone who has and continues to push boundaries and make the MWFL so amazing.”

Members of the 2013 Canadian National Women’s Team, Tara Keohan and Marie-Noelle Beaulieu were also part of the All-Decade Team. The winner of the MWFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 2007, Keohan has emerged as a key cog for the Vipers offensive attack.

Having helped the Vipers win the 2012 SupHer Bowl, Keohan is also a five-time All-Star. She would earn nods on defense in 2007 and 2008, while offensive honours followed in 2009, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Beaulieu, a spitfire on the Vipers defense is also a Cross Fit competitor who brings intensity to the field. While she earned her first All-Star nod in 2012, her work ethic and commitment to winning have made an impression.

A pair of players named Tina was among the group of Vipers that were part of the prestigious All-Decade team. Tina Hetherington was the fourth All-Decade selection from the Vipers to also be named a five-time MWFL All-Star. Her first selection came in 2006, while she has earned All-Star nods the last four seasons (2009-2012).

Tina Theriault was a prolific contributor on defense. Named the league’s Most Outstanding Player on Defense in 2009, she earned an All-Star nod during the championship season of 2012. In addition, she was also an All-Star selection during her tenure with the rival Capital Area Lady Gladiators in 2010 and 2011.

Among the final group of players selected, Jeannie Bourgeois and Sheryl Vallee have a combined six All-Star selections between them. Vallee, a defensive specialist, would combine with Beaulieu to be a thorn in the side of Capital Area’s offensive attack in the 2012 SupHer Bowl. Of note, Bourgeois competed with Team Atlantic at the 2012 Canadian National Challenge Cup in Laval, Quebec.

While the challenge to repeat as champions brings its own pressures and expectations, Moncton can enter the postseason with confidence. Of the nine Vipers selections to the All-Decade Team, eight athletes are still competitors in the league. With such an impressive array of athletes active in league play, the Vipers have an electrifying number of weapons that are capable of maintaining gridiron glory.