Full disclosure: I haven't played ice hockey in decades! I have played roller hockey regularly since I was about 15-years-old, which I credit greatly to my best friend growing up, Ron Sardina, who passed away from cancer several years ago. On any team we ever played on together, "Showtime" was always the fastest skater, had the hardest wrist shot, and was a game-changer any time he set foot on the Sport Court. The last time I played ice hockey (...that I can remember anyway...) was when a few friends and I went to SUNY Brockport for some pickup hockey when Ron and I were still in college. Like I said, it's been decades since I last played ice hockey!

A few years back, I competed in the Roswell tournament through WNY Roller Hockey up at Kenan Center in Lockport. This was the first opportunity that I had to play the sport that I've loved for so long while at the same time doing it for a cause that I heavily support. I was grateful that my friend Mark Paradowski reached out to me and asked me to participate in this event this year with his team, the Crusaders. While I was initially hesitant given the amount of rust that I would need to shake off (i.e., gotta remember how to stop on ice!), it didn't take much coaxing to get me to sign up for this event.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my bio and for considering a donation to this truly outstanding organization. It takes a community of people to make a difference against this awful disease, and there is no stronger community than the folks here in Buffalo, NY! Now, I'm off to find some ice and get practicing so as to not make a complete fool out of myself (...although that might be worth the price of admission alone!). Thanks everyone!

- Brian

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.