Cancer has a way of touching everyone in one way or another. Not to long ago I found out my friend and fellow firefighter Micheal Karl has Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Not to much longer after that I found out my friend and fellow fire fighter James Lawida's wife, Jill, had breast cancer. I knew I wanted to help do somthing to show I cared but didn't know what. When I found out Nick Karl was particapating in the 11 day power play I knew I wanted in.

I could'nt tell you when I first met Nicholas Karl.  We both have family ties to Main-Transit fire deparment. I have been around the fire department since my older brother joined as a volunteer when I was only 8 years old. Nick has has been a part of Main-Transit since birth, having brothers Michael, Adam and father, Johnny Karl in the department. The list doesn't stop there, with their grandfather Goerge Karl, uncles Billy & Robert Karl, cousins Jeff Karl, Joe Karl and Stacie Albuez. I have been a volunteer with Main-Transit since 2006. When you become a volunteer firefighter, You don't just join a organization. YOU JOIN A FAMILY! The Karl's & Lawida's are apart of that family. This is one of the best ways I feel I can help give back to that family.

If you can take a second and donate some money to a good cause, any help would be appreciated. 

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.