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PWHL Montreal stars Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey took to Instagram on Sunday to share heartfelt messages for Erica Howe. Howe, who played as a goaltender for Toronto during the PWHL's inaugural season, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this summer.
Since then, the 32-year-old has been raising awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. She has, in fact, surpassed her initial $27,000 goal, a number matching her jersey.
On Saturday at Coca-Cola Coliseum, the Montreal Victoire and Toronto Sceptres came together to honor the former PWHL goaltender. The Montreal players wore pink Erica Howe t-shirts as they arrived at the arena. During the game, a video tribute played on the jumbotron with messages of encouragement from Toronto players.
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The crowd gave Howe a standing ovation when she waved to them. After the game, both teams gathered on the ice as Howe delivered an emotional speech and hugged her former teammates.
Marie-Philip Poulin shared the Toronto Sceptres' Instagram post honoring Howe on her own story and captioned it:
“The bravest ❤️ @ehowe27”
Montreal star Laura Stacey also shared the same post on her own account.
“Our warrior!💕”, she wrote in the caption of her story.
Laura Stacey rallies in support behind Erica Howe
After the game, Laura Stacey mentioned that the whole Toronto organization is behind their former goalie. She said that Erica has a strong support system, not just in Toronto but from everyone, including those supporting from afar.
“To see her in that vulnerable state, it's pretty tough to see, so it's emotional,” said Stacey. “I think being that young and fighting something like that is something you never want to see. She has an amazing support group behind her.”
Howe also holds the Toronto franchise in her heart. During her emotional speech at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, she expressed how much she cherishes the rink, which holds fond memories of last season’s playoff run and the fans who supported her team.
“I love this rink, I have so many good memories, chills in my back, and I’m emotional just thinking about playing in those games last year, and the fans that supported us,” she said.
She recounted the moment she learned about her diagnosis and the ‘sinking feeling’ when her doctor confirmed the invasive carcinoma. While awaiting treatment, Howe chose to stay active, practicing on the ice in case she was needed as an emergency backup goalie.
Following a lumpectomy, further tests revealed the cancer had spread, leading to a more intensive treatment plan including chemotherapy. This prompted her to open up about her experience and use her platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, early detection and treatments.
