Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Because of COVID19 restrictions, players in the 11 Day Power Play are not hitting the ice to raise funds for cancer research. Instead, they're taking it outside.
Normally held on the ice at LECOM HarborCenter, this year's event will be a street hockey event at Buffalo Riverworks. Amy Lesakowski says there's an emphasis on safety. "We've been in touch with the department of health to make sure our safety plan follows the guidelines. We'll be putting through COVID tracing questions for volunteers and players coming into the rink area," Lesakowski. "We've got a great team with Roswell Park, as they're assisting us with COVID measures they've done with the (Ride for Roswell) this summer, so we're confident we're doing the best we can to keep people as safe as possible."
WBEN's Brian Mazurowski will take part in the event. See how you can help with the cause HERE.
Lesakowski says normally there would be spectators, but not this year. But that doesn't mean you get shut out of watching the game. "We will be reaching people at home by accessing our livestream, and that will start at 7pm each evening," says Lesakowski. She says the livestream will feature day events and interviews with beneficiaries and team captains.
Lesakowski says players are determined to make an impact this year, even though the format for one year has changed from ice to street hockey. "We have 1,300 players participating. We did have 2,600 originally registered to take part, but with the change of the date, some people had to go back to work or had vacation time, so we're pleased with the turnout," explains Lesakowski.