Historic opportunity

MWFL:  Halifax Xplosion players reflect on historic indoor match

As the Halifax Xplosion work tirelessly to become one of the elite teams in the Maritime Women’s Football League, an unforeseen event provided the franchise with the opportunity to make history during the 2013 season. With the Xplosion ready to play on the field of the legendary St. Mary’s University football program, the elements had another plan. Torrential rains began to downpour onto the field and a quick decision was made to ensure the game could go on.

“Well, the whole thing was very last minute but we were very glad the decision to move the game inside was made. We were all very excited to play our first game of the season on the St. Mary’s University turf, it makes for great atmosphere!” remarked Tasha McMaster.

The June 8 contest featured the Xplosion cometing against the defending champion Moncton Vipers. Although the Vipers prevailed in a climate controlled environment, there is no denying the determination and the heart of Halifax.

“However nature had another plan, torrential rain! We were prepared to suck it up and play out in the downpour when I received a call from the refs. They told us that the U18 game that was scheduled to be at SMU was moved to the indoor arena in East Hants.  We were asked if we would mind going there as well.

I contacted our friend Karen at FNS to see if we could get in and thankfully there was time! It was a great decision and I know our ladies were relieved once the day came and we saw the weather outside,” McMaster concluded.

With East Hants serving as the venue for the contest, the Xplosion became part of the first indoor game in MWFL history. It was only fitting that the event occurred during the MWFL’s landmark tenth anniversary season.

Proudly wearing number 1 for the Xplosion, Emily Armsworthy is a two-time MWFL All-Star selection and a 2012 member of Team Atlantic. In her storied career, the opportunity to make history by participating in the league’s first indoor game is one that resulted in a bonding experience with her teammates that shall strengthen team morale. She hopes the opportunity to compete indoors will repeat itself one day.

“Having the opportunity to play the first ever MWFL game at an indoor venue was definitely a huge moment for our league. It was amazing to be part of this piece of history and I think it is safe to say we all really enjoyed being able to play indoors for the first time!

We got a lot of positive feedback from the Moncton team as well. All of us loved being able to try our skills without the usual battle against the elements that we often experience. It was an unprecedented event for women’s football, and one we hope will happen again in the near future!”

The opportunity to be part of something so historic was not lost on the Xplosion players. Rookie Nikky Adams relished the opportunity to be part of an event that would serve as one she could reflect on in later years with great pride.

“Playing at the first indoor game in MWFL history was both rewarding and challenging. It was great to be in a climate controlled environment in a beautiful facility. I also had my best game of the season there and was named ‘Defensive Player of the Game’.”

One of the leaders on the Xplosion, McMaster noted that the atmosphere was very different as the players were not accustomed to an indoor setting. With the venue serving more for soccer, the girls of the gridiron quickly adapted and provided a performance that would emerge as one of the most memorable in their season.

“From someone on the sideline watching, there was a different feel to the game at first. Once everyone got into it, it was business as usual. It would have been better if the field was lined properly for football but as a main space for soccer, the football markings were an afterthought.”

McMaster continued, “However, it was a great game and even the visiting team said how much they liked the space! So all in all it turned out for the best. We are thankful that we have those facilities to use especially when Mother Nature isn’t being kind to us (smiles).”

For Adams, the game was a memorable one, “It was also cool to be a part of MWFL history. The challenges involved the turf markings.”

Without the natural light from the outdoors, there were elements of frustration as the dark blue lines made it difficult to determine the exact location of the ball. Adams discusses the visceral moment when the dark blue deceived the squad into believing a touchdown was scored, “Because the football lines were a dark blue and the lighting was dim it was sometimes difficult to determine where the end zone was. It was very frustrating to think your team has scored a touchdown only to learn you were inches from the line.”

Veteran Terri Smith-Fraser enjoyed the experience of competing in the indoor game. The controlled climate made for a fun afternoon as the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play provided an atmosphere of great competitiveness. She repeats the sentiments of Armsworthy in hoping that the event could happen again in the near future,

“Playing at the East Hants Sportsplex was an awesome experience. It was our first time ever playing a game inside, no sun, no wind, and no RAIN. I guess realizing that this game was an historic one in our league makes it even more exciting. I am thrilled to have been a part of it. Who knows? Maybe, we will get to do it again sometime.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”