Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/WGR Sports Radio 550) - "We're excited to welcome 3,000 players this year," said Amy Lesakowski, Founder of the 11 Day Power Play during an appearance with WBEN on Wednesday.
The first teams hit the ice Wednesday morning at LECOM Harborcenter in Downtown Buffalo. This is the ninth year of the cancer fundraising event benefiting Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Camp Good Days and Make A Wish Foundation.
"Our community comes together every year," Lesakowski said. "Everyone has a story, and this provides so much hope and encouragement for cancer patients and survivors. We've raised over $12 million over nine years. This year alone, we're inching up on $1.3 million, thanks to our hardworking players and volunteers and the community."
Lesakowski encourages everyone to stop at Harborcenter over the next 11 days to support the players that raised money for cancer research. There is no rink fee to attend.
Opening ceremonies are Wednesday night from 6 p.m.-to-9 p.m., where there is a giveaway for the first 100 people to arrive.
"60 of our top fundraisers are playing tonight. We have Sabretooth and Petey Powerplay here," Lesakowski noted. "The voice of the Sabres, Dan Dunleavy will be doing play-by-play. Skylighters will be doing fireworks, and we have lots of new merchandise. We will also be doing 'chuck a puck' and tic tac toe on the ice. We'd love to see everyone come and cheer on our players."
With a hot week coming up, the 11 Day Power Play is certainly a great place to cool off.
There are plenty of ways for fans to get involved. You can find information HERE, including a donate button and a list of players participating. All funds raised stay local.
30% of this year's players are new, meaning 70% are returning. Many are back after multiple years with the 11 Day Power Play.
The 11 Day Power Play continues until Sunday, June 29 at 9 p.m.
The WBEN/WGR team will take to the ice on Thursday, June 26 from 6 p.m.-to-9 p.m. when they face the WNY Media All Stars. Among the notable players on the team includes Brayton Wilson, Joe DiBiase, Josh Schmit, Trevor Hauer, Derek Kramer, T.J. Luckman, Owen Parker and WGR brand manager Allan Davis.