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 wrapped up its week-long run.

“It’s an 11-day non-stop hockey game, every three hours teams come in and go 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 the very beginning in 2017, when they broke the record for the world’s longest hockey game.

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’s very important 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 fights 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, this financial support reaches millions of people.

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

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

This amount of donations is made possible by thousands of players and donors like John, whose skill levels range from NHL to 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 very simple connection to the hockey side and raising money for a good cause,” Gilbert said. “We raised $100,000 in two years, me and my group… (It’s) such a testament to the people here and how much everyone cares and wants to help, so it’s awesome.”

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