Erica Howe, known affectionately as “Howie” by her peers, entered Thursday filled with hope, reflecting on her life and impending chemotherapy. The 32-year-old, who retired after a season with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), was preparing to transition back to her career as a firefighter in Mississauga. However, her life was abruptly upended when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

With a deep commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer, Howe has courageously decided to share her journey despite the discomfort that comes with being in the public eye. This Saturday, the Toronto Sceptres will honor her resilience during their home game against the Montreal Victoire at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Mississauga firefighters will also participate in the event, distributing toques to raise funds for cancer research.

Support has poured in from the hockey community, with players showcasing solidarity by wearing black tuques adorned with pink ribbons and Howe's jersey number, 27. Howe has diligently documented her battle on Instagram, revealing vulnerability and gratitude for her support system.

“This is going to be a very hard journey, but I have the hockey community and the firefighting community and friends and family all supporting me,” Howe shared during a media call. She expressed her desire to help others, particularly those who may not have as much support, by raising both awareness and funds for cancer research.

Currently undergoing chemotherapy every two weeks, Howe faces significant challenges as she copes with fatigue, nausea, and side effects that hinder her clarity of thought. Though she rides an exercise bike at home, her capacity to play hockey or fulfill her duties as a firefighter is severely limited.

This season, Howe had ambitious plans; she wanted to remain fit to act as an emergency back-up goalie for the Sceptres while also playing forward in a local hockey league. Additionally, she and her wife were considering starting a family.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of her condition, Howe admitted, “The hardest part is all of that coming to a full stop. I can’t do these things. I physically can’t, I mentally can’t.”

Her journey began on an ordinary day at the fire station in July when, while brushing dust off her uniform—a mix of humor and concern—she discovered a lump on her breast. Sharing her discovery with trusted friends at a charity road-hockey event hosted by Montreal star Laura Stacey, Howe was encouraged to seek medical advice. “Everyone was kind of like, ‘go to the family doctor,’” she recalled, crediting the insistence of her wife for booking an appointment immediately.

Despite her calm demeanor throughout the subsequent procedures—mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies—Howe received devastating news on August 26 while on duty: her lump was cancerous and she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. After undergoing surgery to remove the lump and sentinel lymph nodes, she learned the cancer had spread, resulting in the need for chemotherapy.

Howe chose to publicly share her story to inspire hope and support others going through similar battles. An event organized by the Mississauga Fire Department in collaboration with her friends and teammates marked the beginning of her chemotherapy. In an emotional display of solidarity, many of her fellow firefighters shaved their heads in support, and Howe cut her own hair—a poignant moment captured on film as she transitioned into her treatment phase.

Although she has not attended any PWHL games this season, Howe plans to be at the upcoming match, hoping to feel a sense of normalcy within the familiar surroundings of the rink. “I’m looking for any kind of normalcy in my life right now, so to be in the rink and to be in Coca-Cola especially, I think I’ll feel like home,” she stated.

As Erica Howe continues her fight against cancer, she embodies resilience and determination, reminding us all of the importance of community support in the face of life’s greatest challenges.