BY RANDY SCHULTZ — Amy and Mike Lesakowski have shared many things in life. They have a deep love of family and a passion for hockey.
Unfortunately, they also shared a personal experience with cancer. Amy is a cancer survivor and Mike’s mother, Evelyn, passed away from cancer in May of 2016 at the age of 62.
Fed up with the hardship caused by this disease and fueled by their love of hockey the duo, along with a determined group of Buffalo-based friends, took action. They set a goal to break the record for the world’s longest hockey game and in so doing raise money for cancer research.
They accomplished both goals with overwhelming success. But what many thought would be a one-time deal have since been proven wrong.
“We had so many phone calls and so many emails from people in the community that wanted to play a part in the event,” said Amy. “What people didn’t understand is that we were going after a Guinness World Record and that we could only use the 40 players that had signed up to play.
“After thinking it over, and with so much interest, we said how could we get the community involved. We decided to do another 11-Day game, but not for a Guinness World Record.
“This would bring the community together in the fight against cancer.”
So this year’s 11 Day Power Play is open any team from ages 11 to whatever. Two teams will come in to play each other every four hours beginning July 5 and ending July 15 at the HarborCenter in Buffalo.
“Some players are playing on multiple teams,” continued Amy. “We have such a wide range of ages for both male and female.
“We have AAA kids playing and we have high school kids playing. We have college-age kids playing as well as alumni from different colleges and universities in the area playing.
“There are even local companies putting together teams to play including Rich Products, National Grid, Praxair, Buffalo Police and Buffalo Fire Fighters playing.
“And we have had so many local businesses who have contributed as sponsors.
“It’s been unbelievable.”
As of the end of May and the beginning of June over 1700 people had signed up with different teams to play in the 11 Day. All proceeds from the event will be given to three groups including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (who will receive 80 percent), Camp Good Days and Make-A-Wish.
“We would like to try and raise another million dollars,” stated Amy. “Each team was asked to have a goal of $5000.
“So each time a game is held during the 11 days, at least $10,000 will be raised.”
For the first time this year a women’s team will be participating in the event. Thirty-two female’s will be playing.
“Many of us watched and heard about the 11 Day Power Play last year and were really excited when we found out that Mike and Amy were changing the event to involve the entire Buffalo hockey community,” said Taylor Pietrowski, captain of the women’s team. “This fit exactly what we wanted to do and provided us with the opportunity to give back to the community.
“There are girls from many different teams in the area playing. We are excited to be playing in this year’s event.”
Amy and Mike do have one more wish for this event.
“In the end, we would like this to become an annual event,” concluded Amy. “With what we have been able to do in the first two years, I don’t think there is a reason why we couldn’t do it every year.
“We will wait and see what the future brings.”
(Photo of Amy by Janet Schultz)
