When Mark Paradowski asked me to join his team, the Crusaders, for the 2018 11-day Power Play Community Shift, I knew it was going to be challenging. For one, I hadn't played ice hockey in decades. That in and of itself would have been daunting enough to make me think twice about participating. But on top of that, I was recovering from bicep tendonitis in the spring of '18 after breaking that same collarbone the previous summer. That injury took me nearly 2 months to recover from, and although I had reassurance from several physicians that I did not do any damage to my shoulder that would require surgery, there were days when I wasn't so sure. That's what I get for being overconfident (*cough* cocky *cough*) while ice skating for the first time in years!

Needless to say, getting ready for the 11DPP Community Shift last year was not as easy as I would have hoped. That said, neither is preparing for the long road ahead once you've been given a positive cancer diagnosis. That's what pushed me to recover in time for this event. I was determined to do my part in helping this great cause, and made sure that I was doing everything in my power to make myself available for our 4-hour shift. In the end, the event was a tremendous success and I was able to serve as a semi-functional defenseman throughout the evening (although our goaltenders Emily and Brandon, pictured, might think differently).

We're at it again this year, and we've got some big things planned to build off of what we started last year. If you have visited my page, read my bio and are considering a donation to the 2019 11DPP Community Shift, I greatly appreciate it! Once again, we're all looking forward to this amazing event and getting one step closer to putting cancer on ice!

~Brian

This summer, more than 2,500 pairs of skates will hit the ice to play in the 2019 11 Day Power Play Community Shift to help in the fight against cancer! The 11-day game will be played in continuous shifts at Harborcenter in Buffalo, NY. This important event supports The 11 Day Power Play, raising critically-needed funds for cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park, Camp Good Days and Make-A-Wish WNY. While it is physically challenging to play in a marathon hockey game, it's a walk in the park compared to what most endure in their battle against cancer. Cancer is a disease that touches everyone, and The 11 Day Power Play wants to make an impact in our community. In the past two years, The 11 Day Power Play has raised nearly $2.5 million supporting cancer causes in Western New York.

Donations are graciously accepted online or by check. Please write checks out to 'The 11 Day Power Play' and send to PO Box 4, Buffalo, NY 14223. If you are interested in a sponsorship, contact Sara Schumacher today.

To learn more about the 11 Day Power Play organization, visit www.11daypowerplay.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.