Last summer, I volunteered as a referee for the inaugural 11-day Power Play here in Buffalo, NY.  A few of my friends that I grew up with playing hockey were participating and going after the Guinness Book record for longest continuous hockey game, and I knew I wanted to play a small part in helping them reach their goal.  More importantly, they blew away their $1 Million fundraising goal to help fight Cancer, a disease that affects all of us in one way or another.

This Summer, I will be lacing up the skates and participating as a player for two 4-hour shifts.  I will be joined by my teammates, all former Williamsville East High School hockey players, so that will make it even more special. I will also be playing with a bunch of great guys that I've been skating with every Tuesday night for the past 15+ years.

I will be playing in honor of 2 people. 

My Father-in-law, John Schmidt, passed away in November after a very courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer.  Every January, I travel to Minneapolis to play in the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, and this January was the first time that he was not there to cheer me on.  In fact, for the past 10 years playing in that tournament, HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON THAT ATTENDED ALL OF MY GAMES.  Even during his 3-year battle with Cancer, he found the energy to meet me out at frozen Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis and watch me and my teammates play our games.

Also, ironically, a young man that I work with, Jimmy Bailey, was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Lymphoma.  He started his treatment at Roswell (the main beneficiary of the 11-day Power Play) in early May, and he plans to come watch me play in this event and cheer us on.

I am grateful for my health and the honor to play for these 2 very courageous people.  Please donate and help me reach and exceed my goal of $1,000.  No amount is too small and if you happen to be in Buffalo on Friday, July 6th (10:00 PM - 2:00  AM) OR Saturday, July 14th (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM), come out and watch me play.  I know my Father-in-law will be watching :)

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.