In 2017, I participated in the World’s Longest Hockey game right here in Buffalo, New York to raise money for Cancer Research at Rowell Park. It was a grueling event that would not have been possible without contributions from the community including friends, donors, event coordinators and the countless number of volunteers we had to help with the journey. In the end, we were able to raise over $1.2 Million Dollars for this worthwhile cause.

The 40 teammates that I had for this event never lost sight of the reasons we were playing. We were all driven to raise money for Roswell and we all had our own personal reasons for being part of such a great event. There are so many stories we shared with each other over 11 days and there are many more stories to be told.

The founders of this event, Amy and Mike Lesakowski, have a deep rooted passion, along with the rest of us, to continue the quest in 2018 with an 11 Day Power Play Community Shift. 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. We hope that you will join us in some form for this great event either as a player, donor volunteer or supporter.

My personal reason for playing revolves around my family and friends. Over the years, we have endured a countless number of battles with cancer. Unfortunately, we have lost loved ones but we have also had loved ones beat this deadly disease. We can only hope that the donations generated through this event will be used to finally put an end to this disease.

I have one last story to share. In 2017, each player was asked to secure a Corporate donation of $5000.00. When I struggled to find a corporate donor who was willing to do this, my mother approached me and asked if she could be MY Corporate Sponsor. Without hesitation, I said yes and the family jumped into action. Within 24 hours, my sister had a logo made with inspiring words written in each letter of our last name:

R: Remembering

A: All

L: Lost

P: Providing

H: Hope

My other sister used Social Media and word of mouth to get the details out and drove countless hours to and from the event to support the team and the cause. My son was in attendance numerous times to support the event and when he wasn’t there, was providing encouraging words over the phone. I would not have been able to do this without their support and I love them all dearly!!!

We hope to see you out supporting the cause when we take to the ice beginning July 5^th.

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.