On October 1, former Toronto Sceptres goaltender Erica Howe took part before a crowd of colleagues, supporters, and teammates at BD-Canada’s Second Annual Breast Cancer Walk & Talk. For the 31-year-old, who just a year earlier was in the middle of chemotherapy, the moment carried more weight than any hockey game.

“I’m doing way better,” Howe said with a smile.

The Walk & Talk event, part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, paired BD-Canada president Ivy Parks, Breast Cancer Canada CEO Kimberly Carson, and Howe for a panel on advancing women’s health, followed by a community walk through Mississauga.

Approximately 60 people took part, and together they raised $1,339 for breast cancer research — with BD matching donations and fundraising staying open through the month of October. Toronto Sceptres' teammates Kali Flanagan and Allie Munroe were there in person to stand with Howe, a reflection of the support network that has surrounded her since her diagnosis.

From Shock to Support

In August 2024, Howe’s world shifted when she was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Although the tumor was removed, tests revealed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, and chemotherapy was required.

“At first I was in shock. I was just going through the motions,” Howe recalled. “But my teammates — whether it was my firefighter crew or my hockey family — they made sure they were standing arm in arm with me every step of the way. It made such a huge difference in my ability to recover and to focus on treatment.”

Turning Hardship Into Purpose

Even in the midst of chemo, Howe turned outward. She launched a fundraiser with the Canadian Cancer Society, raising more than $40,000 for research and patient support services.

That drive to help others reached a peak on December 21, 2024, when the Sceptres hosted the Montreal Victoire at Coca-Cola Coliseum. More than 9,000 fans packed the building for a cancer awareness game organized by Howe.

“When people bring it up still, I realize it was bigger than I even thought,” Howe said. “That night gave me purpose. It took me out of my own head and gave me a chance to do something meaningful in the middle of my journey. It had a big impact on me — but I’m amazed at the impact it had on others too.”

Her Sceptres teammates and the entire crowd of fans rallied behind her that night, embodying the hockey community’s reputation for showing up when it matters most.

A New Kind of Confidence

Now cancer-free, Howe is running goalie camps and returning to the routines that once felt far away.

“It gave me life to even be able to go back to work. Just doing normal things — especially things I love — gave me life.”

Her energy is back, and even the small signs of recovery mean everything.

She smiled as she talked about her regrown curls. “When I put the hockey helmet on the other day, it was coming out the back. I love it. It’s different than before, but I love it — and I’m well loved and supported. That makes me feel very confident and comfortable.”

Survivor, Teammate, Advocate

At the Walk & Talk, Howe introduced herself not only as a hockey player and firefighter, but as something she has fought to earn.

“I’m a retired professional hockey player. I played for the national team for over ten years, and most recently for the Sceptres in the PWHL. I’m also a firefighter in Mississauga. And now, most recently to my resume — breast cancer survivor.”

That survivor identity fuels her mission going forward.

“I’ll never be able to repay what my teammates did for me,” Howe said. “But I hope I can pay it forward.”