It’s a no-brainer: Buffalo loves its hockey. You know what else Buffalo loves? Some good old-fashioned competition. But aside from our love for blood, sweat and beers, we’re still the city of good neighbors. So, in an effort to combine the two very things that make us Buffalonians, we present to you Buffalo’s 11 Day Power Play: a continuous 11-day hockey game to raise money for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
11 Day Power Play: What you need to know
1. Mark your calendars: June 22.
The world’s longest hockey game will take place June 22 – July 3 at Buffalo’s HARBORCENTER. That’s more than enough notice to carve out some time for a trip down.
2. We’re going for a world record.
Dr. Brent Saik and friends in Alberta, Canada currently hold the record for the world’s longest hockey game at 250 hours, 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Buffalo is going to change that. We’re determined to break that record and raise some serious money along the way.
3. Meet the organizers: The Lesakowski family.
Mike and Amy Lesakowski, Buffalo locals, share personal experiences with cancer. Amy is a cancer survivor and Mike is also playing in honor of his mother who passed away from cancer in 2016. Mike and Amy combined their love of hockey with their determination for beating this disease to organize the world’s longest hockey game.
4. All proceeds go to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute is our nation’s first cancer center and a world leader in groundbreaking research. Roswell’s commitment has made a huge difference in the lives of millions of cancer patients and their families, and it’s time we give back.
5. The fundraising bar has been set pretty high.
Each player is responsible for raising $10,000 for the cause — which comes out to a fundraising goal of at least $1M. We’re well on our way to $500,000. Let’s GET TO IT.
6. The roster is stacked.
Two teams of 20 players will live, breathe, eat and sleep hockey for 11 days straight. And there are some pretty cool people taking part: including former Buffalo Sabres Andrew Peters and Michael Peca.
7. It’s easy to become a sponsor.
Looking to get a group of people involved in the 11 Day Power Play? Learn about sponsorship opportunities and see how your organization can help.
8. You should consider supporting the players.
Most of these guys are playing in memory of friends and family who have battled cancer. Check out the roster and make an individual donation to help them reach their fundraising goals.
9. There’s something brewing, and it’s delicious.
Beer lovers unite: Thin Man Brewery and the 11 Day Power Play team brewed a delicious 11 Day Pilsner in support of the 11 Day Power Play event. For every pint purchased, $1 will benefit cancer research at Roswell Park.
10. Don’t have the funds? Sign up to be a volunteer.
Whether you work the welcome table, become an official, or sign up for general assistance, the event requires an army of volunteers — and every bit counts. Sign up today.
11. The goal: Save lives.
While hockey serves as the main attraction, this event is much bigger than a game. All proceeds from the 11 Day Power Play will benefit world-class cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The donor count: 1,895 and counting. Make a general donation of any amount to help our cause.
There you have it. Buffalo, hockey, beer and everything you need to know about this event. Help us raise money, spread the word and beat cancer once and for all. We’ll see you in June!
Questions? Comments? Check out the details on the website or connect with us on Twitter.