On July 11th I will be participating in the 11 day powerplay to help support the fight against cancer. I am playing in honor of Thomas J. Diehl, Sheila Pray, and Kathleen Veronica. 

Tom was a close friend of my dad and a 9 year assistant coach of the Kenmore East Hockey team. Tom lost a hard fought battle with cancer in April of 2017. He was a passionate coach who motivated his players to do their best. He tought all of us to never quit and was a true inspiration for all of us on how to live life.

My aunt Sheila recently endured a lengthy surgery in her fight against cancer. My uncle has been there to support her every step of the way. We are praying that she is going to have a successful recovery and that she will be able to enjoy many future events with our family. 

After several surgeries, Kathleen is doing very well in her fight against breast cancer. She always has high spirits and lives life to the fullest. She has been very brave in this battle over the past several years. 

I look forward to playing in this event and helping to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause. 

This summer, more than 1,700 pairs of skates will hit the ice to play in the 2018 11 Day Power Play Community Shift to help in the fight against cancer! The 11-day game will be played in continuous, four-hour shifts at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. Each shift will feature two new teams. The purpose of this important event is to raise critically-needed funds for important local cancer causes, including: cutting-edge cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; supporting programs that improve quality of life for children, adults and families affected by cancer through Camp Good Days; and, granting wishes and amazing experiences to kids with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, by Make-A-Wish Western New York. Although it may be physically challenging for our players to play four continuous hours of hockey, it will be a walk in the park compared to what some people have to endure in their battle against cancer. Cancer is a disease that touches everyone, and The 11 Day Power Play wants to make a difference, a big difference. You can help make a big difference by supporting our players' efforts in The 11 Day Power Play Community Shift.

As part of our fundraising efforts, we also offer various corporate sponsorships, providing value greatly in excess of the financial contribution. Please contact Sara Schumacher at sara@11daypowerplay.com or 716-830-3805 for more information. Team sponsorships start at $1,100 and are first come, first serve. 

Proceeds of the 11 Day Power Play Community Shift will benefit our local families while supporting cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park, Make-A-Wish WNY and Camp Good Days.

Donations are graciously accepted either online or by check. Please write checks out to 'The 11 Day Power Play' and send to PO Box 4 Buffalo NY 14223.

Find out more about this event, or the 2017 World’s Longest Hockey Game, at www.11daypowerplay.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.