Hi family and friends-

   I have been putting this email off for months as I find it very difficult to ask others for support. I understand most don't have the means to donate and I completely relate, as long as you hug your loved ones and cherish your life my mission was accomplished!          

    Unfortunately I lost a good friend last year to a year long battle with cancer.  Tom Diehl and I played hockey for years together, and at the end of the 2015-2016 season he didn't feel right after a tournament.  That was April, 2016.  He didnt feel well for a while but he was tough, a Kenmore East Hockey Coach, Town of Tonawanda Police Lieutenant, and most importantly a family man.  Long story short they found a rare aggressive form of cancer and he died almost exactly a year later at the age of 33, leaving behind a wife, twin 5 year olds and 2 step children.  I feel horrible for his family, Tom was in Roswell almost his whole last year and was unrecognizable to most.  He loved his family in a way very few do, words cannnot describe it.  

       I'm playing in a 11 day Hockey game (im playing 8 hours) in attempt to raise money in Tom's honor for cancer research.  If you are able to donate that would be greatly appreciated.  Either way please love your loved ones each and every day you are blessed with the gift of life.

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.