10th annual 11 Day Power Play underway at Harborcenter

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It is a milestone year for one of the region's top fundraising events, as the 11 Day Power Play is officially underway in Downtown Buffalo at LECOM Harborcenter.

This year marks the 10th year of the event that sees funds raised by participants going toward cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as benefiting Make-A-Wish Western New York, Camp Good Days and Special Times, and The Roswell Park & Golisano Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Program.

Since 2017, more than $13 million has been raised by The 11 Day Power Play organization.

As the event kicked off Wednesday, a number of supporters showed up to Buffalo to cheer on their loved ones and others that have worked hard to fundraise for a cause.

"Just a great cause. It's developed and gotten bigger-and-bigger every year," said Joe from Orchard Park. "My son-in-law is actually playing as we speak now, so coming out not only to support him, but for everyone else who's taking the time out to support cancer research."

Others like Mary from Lancaster came to support her brother, who's playing in support of his wife after she battled breast cancer,

"I just think it's a great idea, and fun to support them. Glad he's got a shift that's doable and not the middle of the night that we could come and see him," Mary said with WBEN. "It's just an amazing cause, and they need the money. Let's raise it while they can."

Chris from Buffalo lost his mother to cancer years ago, and enjoys watching his two sons take part in the 11 Day Power Play every year in memory of their grandmother.

"It's amazing to see. Not only is it here for the 11 days, but it goes on all year, where they're raising the money and helping Roswell and everything. It's amazing," Chris said with WBEN.

Even for someone like Harry from Niagara Falls, he came down with his son to support those taking part and raising funds for critical research.

"We like watching hockey, so it's a good cause. My wife had cancer, [my son] was in Roswell for a couple weeks, almost died. So it means a lot," Harry said.

Even with this year's fundraiser celebrating its 10th year, many supporters are not surprised with how much people continue to contribute and help grow the event more-and-more.

"I think every time someone needs something, we, as a community, come together and band together as one. But it's truly remarkable it continues to grow year-after-year, gets bigger-and-bigger," Joe said with WBEN. "The end cause is what it's all about, and helping the community, helping out research. To do an event like this and having the support locally to do it says a lot about the city that we live in."

The event doesn't run as smoothly every year without its volunteers helping out where and when they can.

For Jen Holler of Williamsville, she has seen first-hand just how much cancer can alter a family's life.

"We come back year-after-year because of how cancer has affected our family. My husband lost his first wife to cancer in 2010. My husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, and most recently he was diagnosed a second time just this year in 2026. So we have had cancer impact our lives so directly," Holler said with WBEN. "I lost my mother to bone cancer 12 years ago, so we just feel so compelled. We just want to be here doing what we can to hopefully make some sort of difference. "

Holler is also a close friend of co-founder Amy Gold, and has been volunteering at the 11 Day Power Play since Day 1.

With her niece's husband and a number of her high school friends playing in the event every year, Holler knows how unique this event has been to Western New York and beyond.

"Buffalo, being such a hockey town, what better way to raise money than this?" she said. "And the fact that so many people from around the country come in now and Canada, I just think it's unique. And it's so well-run. It's hard to believe 2,500 skaters come in-and-out of here like they do, and the hundreds of volunteers. It's run so well, and it's an amazing event to just be at."

This year's event continues through Sunday, June 28 at Harborcenter.