PWHL Toronto netminder Erica took a leave from her job as a firefighter to return to pro hockey full time. Erica Howe, who backstopped the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL last season, and who announced her retirement from the game earlier this summer [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-torontos-erica-howe-announces-her-retirement] shared today she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. "I used to let breast cancer awareness month pass me by. Buy a tshirt or donate to the fight for a cure but never think deeply about the impact of breast cancer and how many people it has affected. That was until August 26th when my world was flipped upside down. That was the day I got a call from my doctor and I was diagnosed with breast cancer," Howe wrote on Instagram. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/p:DBnQcSxNiLS[/embed] The 32-year-old appeared in three games this season with PWHL Toronto posting a 1.89 GAA and .921 save percentage. Howe was on a hiatus from her job as a firefighter [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/erica-howe-from-smothering-fires-to-smothering-pucks] where her department gave her full support to follow her path to the PWHL this season as Toronto's backup goalie. "Not sure if this post is to help me connect, or to help others feel less alone in the battle, but there are a few things I know for sure: I am thankful for my wife (who is so goddamn brave), my family and my support friends who have been by side every step of the way. I am thankful for my team of doctors and nurses who made me feel safe when I was scared. And I am thankful for all those who have donated, supported and fought to find a cure," Howe continued. "Breast cancer at 32 has been one hell of a ride so far, not the battle I wanted, but it's the battle I got and I am learning more about myself than I ever imagined. Cancer is about to meet its match." Howe also stated a fundraiser for cancer research would be coming soon. Howe won an NCAA national championship with Clarkson, a Clarkson Cup with the CWHL's Markham Thunder, and is a former member of Canada's national program. Howe also spent four seasons in the PWHPA. The Orleans, Ontario product won gold with Canada's U-18 national team and also collected a silver as Canada's third goalie at the 2016 World Championships.
