Last year I had the opportunity to watch and support many of my friends participate in the World’s longest hockey game spanning 11 straight days.  It was an incredible event to watch and even more impressive with the amount of money raised for Roswell Park Cancer Institute to continue the fight against cancer.

This year I have the opportunity to participate in 4 hour community shifts with some of my friends which I have been able to play with over the years. While it is not nearly as impressive as what the 40 individuals did last year - our goal remains the same - to help “ice” cancer.

I will be playing in honor of my Mom, Mary Anne Bach, and Step-Dad, Jim Bach, who both are cancer survivors and in memory of my Dad, Bill Schwartz, who we unfortunately lost to cancer in 2010.  While I will only endure a couple 4 hour hockey shifts, it is fitting that it is taking place at the ice rink where my parents committed so much of their time throughout my hockey career.

Thank you in advance for helping me and my family raise money for Roswell Park, Camp Good Days and Make A Wish Foundation.  We appreciate your support and donations for this great cause. I will be participating on July 14th from 2p-6p as we hope to re-engage our classic adult league rivalry Vinny’s and The Dream Team.

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.