By: PWHL Toronto Media
March 22, 2024
Defender Lauriane Rougeau is a respected veteran who has won at every level —Olympic, World Championship, CWHL, PWHPA— and the Beaconsfield, QC native is hoping to guide PWHL Toronto to the top of the PWHL. Meanwhile, Erica Howe, the 31-year-old goaltender from Orleans, ON, has her own championship pedigree —NCAA, CWHL, U18 World Championship— and is hoping that her break from her firefighting career will end with another championship.
Get to know them both a bit more, as they strive to add to their championship resumés with PWHL Toronto:
Who was your favourite player growing up and why?
Howe: My favourite player growing up was Patrick Lalime. He was my favourite player because he was goalie for my hometown Ottawa Senators. I was at a game once where he was first star and he gave me a signed stick through the glass— and I still have the stick.
Rougeau: Caroline Ouellette, remarkable player with a heart of gold. I don’t remember the first time I met Caroline, but I would say I was super excited and shy. I played with Caroline for the first time in 2011 with the Canadian National Team. She helped me navigate being a rookie on the National team and made me feel comfortable
What was your favourite childhood TV show and why? Is there a specific episode that stands out?
Howe: My favourite childhood show was Arthur. I loved Francine. My favourite episode is when Arthur sings and dances while spelling aardvark. It’s the only reason I know how to spell aardvark!
Rougeau: Dans une galaxie près de chez vous. No episode stands out, but we still quote this show in our family from time to time.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Howe: If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life it would be pizza. Pepperoni is my favourite, but I also love Meat Lovers from Pizza Pizza – shout out Pizza Pizza, please send me a gift card!
Rougeau: Fajitas, I always have it for my birthday! My favourite fillings are steak, chicken with cheese, salsa sour cream and guacamole.
What’s your favourite memory of the season so far?
Howe: The inaugural game or the game at Scotiabank Arena stick out as memories that will last a lifetime. It was very emotional skating out in front of those two crowds – I never thought I would get to be a part of games like that! Other favourite memories of the year include playing cards with my teammates, playing in the pool in Ottawa with Soupy (Campbell) and Jonesy (Jones) or pre-game Spikeball matches.
Rougeau: Playing at Scotiabank Arena in front of 19,285 fans!
What book are you currently reading? If none, what is your favourite book?
Howe: I am a book lover. I’m currently reading Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall. It was recommended to me by my old teammate Jess Hartwick. I just finished reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. My favourite book is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Rougeau: Book five of the series The Wheel of Time, The Fires of Heaven.
Bonus question for Howe:
What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you and what was the occasion?
Howe: The best gift I ever received was my engagement ring from my wife. My wife had it made from my late father’s 20th anniversary ring. My dad and I were thick as thieves so when I wear my ring it feels like I have a little piece of him with me.