The puck drops during the 11-day power play Thursday in Buffalo

What started as a way to show appreciation for a loved one’s battle with cancer has become one of the most beloved fundraisers in Buffalo.

On Thursday, June 20, puck drop will begin for the seventh annual 11-day Power Play, with games beginning at 6 p.m. and playing continuously at three-hour intervals until Sunday, June 30, at approximately 9 p.m. The games are free and open to all. the public – and with this week’s heatwave, it’s a great way to get a little relief and help in the fight against cancer.

“11 Day Power Play, Inc. was founded by Mike and Amy Lesakowski in 2016. Eight years earlier, Amy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. But thanks to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, she got a positive result. In 2013, Mike’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and succumbed to her illness. These events inspired Mike and Amy to want to give back in a big way to the organization that saved Amy’s life,” the organization explains.

The original event featured 40 men, playing around the clock with the goal of not only raising over $1 million for Roswell Park, but also breaking the world record for longest-running hockey game in the world . They achieved both goals at this event in June 2017. The following year, they expanded the event, creating what is now known as Community Shift, in which teams from across the West The State of New York are authorized to form and compete in three games. one hour games. More than 2,300 people participated.

This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 30 and will benefit not only Roswell Park, but also Make A Wish Western New York, Camp Good Days and Special Times and, separately, Roswell Park and Oishei Children’s Cancer Center. and Blood Disorders Program.

More than $10 million has been raised since 2017 for these organizations and this year continues this tradition. It is expected that 2,500 hockey players of all ages and skill levels will have registered to participate in this year’s event.

“Opening night on June 20 is a party. It’s from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and we have some famous guests, Sabretooth will be there. The first match pits our top 60 fundraisers against each other. We really want to fill the rink for them,” said Amy Lesakowski.

In addition to the games, there is a merchandise table on the second floor of HarborCenter, overlooking the action, where branded t-shirts, wristbands, blankets, key chains, magnets and other gear 11 Day Power Plays are sold, adding to the overall event fundraising. efforts.

New this year is the Petey Fund, an $11,000 grant that will go to a small nonprofit organization also focused on fighting cancer. This will be a one-time grant awarded each year from now on and the winner will be announced at the opening ceremony.

The full match schedule can be viewed here; Donations can be made to the event in general or to a specific player here. We may not be able to see the Buffalo Sabers play hockey in June, but we can take a break from the heat and watch some local heroes give their best on the ice.