11 Day Power Play Announces Fundraising Total

BUFFALO, NY — After more than 250 consecutive hours of hockey and $1.6 million raised for cancer research and patient support, this year’s 11 Day Power Play has officially concluded its week of play.

“It’s a continuous 11-day hockey game, every three hours the teams come in and out,” Mike Lesakowski said.

“It’s amazing how big this project has grown,” said Amy Lesakowski. “We now have 2,500 participants.”

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Mike and Amy Lesakowski have led this organization since its inception in 2017, when they launched and broke the record for the longest hockey game in the world.

While thousands of hockey players and game days are impressive, it’s the goal behind them that is most meaningful.

“I have cancer survivors in my family, so it means a lot to play for them,” said donor and player John Simmons.

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The event raises thousands and thousands of dollars for cancer research and supports ongoing cancer battles by donating to Wake-A-Wish, Camp Good Days and more.

Every goal scored by John Simmons’ team sends support to those who need it most, and each year that financial support reaches into the millions.

“This year we exceeded $1.6 million,” Mike said.

“Every year we have a goal of $1 million and we always say, ‘wow, I can’t believe we surpassed it as much as we did,’” Amy said.

This total donation is made possible by thousands of players and donors like John, whose skill level extends all the way to the NHL.

St. Joe’s graduate and Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Gilbert finally pulled out his NHL helmet and gloves to support the city he never left behind.

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“I think it’s a really easy connection between hockey and raising money for a good cause,” Gilbert said. “We raised $100,000 in two years, me and my group… (It’s) a real testament to the people here and how important everyone is to helping, so it’s great.” »

It’s the Buffalo way: neighbors, no matter how far apart, still support neighbors.