Xplosive impact

Striving Halifax Xplosion franchise finds five players on MWFL Anniversary Team

With the Maritime Women’s Football League celebrating its tenth anniversary, an All-Decade Team was named as an effort to recognize the efforts of the stars that helped build the league. Having joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2006, the Halifax Xplosion are the only Nova Scotia-based team in the circuit.

Working towards building a championship franchise, the franchise is eager to conquer the MWFL. As five of their players were recognized on the All-Decade Team, the Xplosion hopes to build on the momentum.

Katie Archibald, one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, was among the five fantastic recipients. Renowned as an elite presence on defense, she was awarded the Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman honour in 2006, followed by the Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award in 2007.

Defensive prowess aside, Archibald displayed great versatility. Despite being named a four-time MWFL All-Star on defense, Archibald would also earn All-Star recognition in 2012 for her contributions on offense. While the 2012 campaign marked her final season in the MWFL, she was one of the true legends in the MWFL’s first decade.

Complementing Archibald on defense was Kelley Martel. An imposing figure on defense, she was also one of the most dignified competitors in the league. In 2006, she was recognized as the Most Sportsmanlike Player. She would follow it up with MWFL All-Star nods in 2007 and 2009.

A tireless volunteer in the MWFL, Holly Arthur has been a key figure in an executive capacity. While her hard work in helping to ensure an even greater decade lies ahead, Arthur is highly accomplished on the gridiron. An All-Star selection on defense in 2010, she is a humble yet dedicated individual who is hoping to make the Xplosion’s championship dreams come true.

Laurel McInnis rounds out the group of defensive players named to the All-Decade Team. An All-Star selection in 2007 and 2008, she was another individual that helped provide stability to the club’s defense in its nascent years.

Quarterback Ashley Howatt was the only offensive star on the Xplosion to earn a selection to the All-Decade Team. The field general of the franchise, she is the only player in franchise history to earn four consecutive MWFL All-Star nods. Lining up behind center, her poise and stability always provide the Xplosion offense with the opportunity to make things happen.

Current player Natasha (Tasha) McMaster was also named to the All-Decade Team. She was recognized for her volunteer efforts, as she also works with the Xplosion in an administrative capacity. An emotional leader on the gridiron for the Xplosion, the nod represents her countless efforts in helping build the franchise. With great humility, McMaster also recognized the efforts of her peers.

“There are so many people that give so much of their time to their teams and to the league, I am humbled to be recognized and want to thank all of those people who help behind the scenes, I could not do it without them.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”