At Erica Howe's first oncologist appointment on Sept. 11, 2024, she posed a question that had never been asked before.

"Can I play hockey?" Howe wanted to know, not long after learning she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Exactly one year later, having not laced up skates in 365 days, Howe asked again.

This time, the answer was different.

"Well, I think you can start with five minutes of ice time. You absolutely cannot play goalie," the doctor said.

Each sentence elated Howe, the former Toronto Sceptres goalie who now works as a firefighter, for different reasons.

The first is obvious.

"I just know when you go play hockey with your friends, you're loving life. I know the kind of impact that could have on me mentally," she said.

The second, perhaps less so. Unless, of course, yo

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