Frequently Asked Questions

General

When is the 11 Day Power Play?

The 11 Day Power Play is taking place from June 2oth , 2024 to June 30th, 2024 at HarborCenter in downtown Buffalo.

When is Opening Celebration?

Opening Celebration shift is taking place June 20th, 2024 at 6pm. On ice opening ceremony will begin at 7pm.

When is Closing Shift?

Closing shift is taking place June 30th, 2024 at 6pm. On ice closing ceremony at 8:45pm.  

How can I get involved?

There are many ways you can get involved in the event. Learn more here. 

Registration

How do I register for my team?

Go to communityshift.11daypowerplay.com 

  • Click Register
  • Enter your email address
  • Enter your full name and choose a password
  • Select the button to join as a 11DPP Player.
  • Join your team
  • Complete the requested information. Click Next.
  • Complete Registration.
What if I am playing on more than one team?

Our fundraising system is designed to make it easiest on your donors. Therefore, it does not allow for more than one fundraising page attached to your account/email. This way, you can send your donors to just one destination. Please join one team page, customize your personal page with a note indicating the teams you are playing for, and set your goal to match the number of shifts you’re playing. For example, it is a $225 minimum to cover your team’s fundraising requirement, therefore your goal would be $450 for two teams. 

What if I want to have a joint page with my child?

Joint pages where the parent and child would have one joint fundraising page is possible. Registration fees are still required for each participant. Email nate@11daypowerplay.com to combine we will make one of the pages hidden and put both players’ name on the same page. If they are doing a joint page, they would each still be required to reach the fundraising minimum of $225 so $450 for a joint page of 2 people.  Please be sure the captains of both teams include you on their roster submitted on 4/1/24 to ensure you recieve a jersey for both teams.

How much does it cost to play?

There is a $25 registration fee due at the time of registration in order to cover the cost of your jersey. Then there is a $225 minimum to cover your fundraising requirement to support the cancer causes. 

How old do you have to be to play?

You must be 11 years old at the time of the event to participate. 

Logistics

How long is my shift?

Each shift consists of three (3) hours broken down into (3) 60-minute periods as follows: 

1st period: 

  • Warm-up
  • Team/player introductions
  • Remaining running time game

2nd and 3rd periods: 

  • 10-minute break/ice resurface
  • 50-minute running time game
  • 10-minute break/ice resurface
When is the schedule released?

Tentatively beginning of March, dependent on timeliness of team registrations.

Can I request a shift date/time?

We are unable to take specific shift requests but if there are dates your team cannot play, we will honor those dates.

What should I wear for my shift?

All Community Shift players MUST be dressed in full gear to enter the ice. This includes a proper helmet, padding and a well-fitted pair of ice skates. It is mandatory for each player to wear the customized jersey provided by the 11 Day Power Play for the full 3-hour shift. Players will find their jerseys in their locker rooms upon arrival. Removeable number stickers must be applied to the back of all helmets for scorekeeping and identification in cases of emergency. ALL player jerseys feature #11. 

Can I personalize my helmet during my 3-hour shift?

Yes, but space is limited. In addition to the unique player number sticker mentioned above, you will be given one removable sponsor logo sticker for the front of your helmet that must be worn for your shift. Out of respect to The 11 Day Power Play and other 2024 corporate sponsors please refrain from wearing any other corporate or organizational logos.  

What should I bring with me for my 3-hour shift?

Bring your own hockey equipment described above and any preferred beverages or snacks. Coolers must stay in locker rooms, but non-alcoholic beverages and snacks can be brought to the bench in small bags. There will be a limited number of athletic drinks/water/coffee/snacks provided. Each team will need to clear benches of belongings and waste after shifts. We HIGHLY recommend bringing a second pair of socks to change into halfway through. ABSOLUTELY NO alcohol on benches. 

Who is allowed on the bench?

YOUTH TEAMS – players, one coach, and the pre-assigned volunteer bench manager.  

ADULT & MIXED TEAMS – players and the pre-assigned volunteer bench manager. 

Safety

How do I prepare myself for my 3-hour shift?

A 3-hour shift is a long time on skates. We suggest you attend open skates and get yourself physically prepared both on and off the ice over the upcoming months. This is a marathon game and in no way should anyone play at full, or even moderate, speed. It can be taxing to skate at any pace for 3 hours. Proper nutrition and hydration is important leading up to and during the event. Excelsior Orthopaedics will again provide tips to prepare for and play in your shift. See Player Resource Center for details. 

Is there a signed waiver that must be provided to the 11 Day Power Play, Inc.?

Yes, players will be required to complete three waivers when registering their pages online. No participants will be allowed to enter the locker room or ice rink without signed and submitted waivers. These waivers are for The 11 Day Power Play, Inc., Harborcenter, and Excelsior Orthopaedics. 18 and Over Waiver, Under 18 Waiver

Will medical staff be on site during my 3-hour shift?

Yes. Excelsior Orthopaedics will be overseeing all medical needs for the duration of the event. A licensed athletic trainer will be available, and a physician will be on call 24/11. 

Fundraising and Donations

Where can I find helpful tools like fundraising tips, a calendar of events and up-to-date information about the event?

On the Player Resource Center you will find the Fundraising 101 best practices kit, Rallybound’s How To Set Up & Personalize Your Page Powerpoint, the calendar of events, donation request letter template, printable posters and player cards, sponsorship details and Player newsletters.

What’s new in fundraising tools this year?

You will have access to social media tools and a fundraising app. All will help your efforts significantly, and instructions are available on the Player Resource Center. You now have the ability to send and receive texts with The 11 Day Power Play. We will be periodically sending texts with important information. Save our number (716)314-1458.

Will you refund my donation?

Donations are nonrefundable and nontransferable. This includes if the event is cancelled, rescheduled or you can no longer participate for any other reason. 

Is there a fundraising minimum?

Yes. The fundraising minimum is $225 per shift.  

How can I deliver cash or checks?

Check/ cash donations may be mailed to: 

The 11 Day Power Play 

PO Box 4  

Buffalo, NY 14223 

Make sure the check is made out to “11 Day Power Play” and the player’s name is listed in the memo field. 

If you want to drop off cash or checks please email nate@11daypowerplay.com to setup a time to meet at our office.  

I had a fundraiser and want the donations split amongst my team. What should I do?

If you send in cash or checks, please tell us how much should go to each player. We can enter all the donations for you. Please note you cannot split a credit card donation, our system will not allow it.  

I donated to the wrong person, team or to general. Can I move it?

Yes, you will need to email nate@11daypowerplay.com. We will then move the funds over to the appropriate account.

How can I find out if my company will match gifts for The 11 Day Power Play?

Contact your Human Resource Department they will give you a form for us to complete. Send to nate@11daypowerplay.com.

My Instagram donations are not being counted towards my fundraising total. What should I do?

If you’ve already set up an Instagram fundraiser, we can help you get credit for the amount raised. Please reach out to nate@11daypowerplay.com with the following information from your Instagram fundraiser:

  • Your full name
  • The names of all of your donors
  • The Instagram usernames of all your donors
  • The individual amounts raised by each donor
  • The date of each donation

From there, we will manually post the donations to your account. This can take up to four weeks, as we are unable to post a donation until we receive the payment from Instagram. 

Instagram sends donations monthly with no information regarding the donor or recipient. That’s why your help is so important.

Power Player

What is a Power Player?

Power Players are a select group of players who raise $1,100 or more for The 11 Day Power Play. 

How do I get a Power Player jersey?

This is an upgraded jersey that you will wear on the ice. Earning this jersey will display your effort and commitment to the cause. Players who have raised $1,100 by April 9th, will receive a Power Player jersey for their main shift.

What if I reach power player status after the deadline?

If you reach Power Player status after the April 9th deadline you will receive an 11DPP branded hat instead of the Power Player jersey.

What are the fundraising rewards I can receive?

Click here to learn more about all of the Power Player rewards. 

When is Power Player Reward pickup?

After the event you will receive an email with more information regarding your earned fundraising rewards. All fundraising rewards are ordered after the event. We will provide multiple dates and times to come to The 11 Day Power Play office and pick up rewards.  

I want to participate in Opening Celebration. What do I need to do?

Opening Celebration consists of our top 60 fundraisers playing against each other. The top fundraisers will be invited on June 14th.  

I want to participate in Closing Shift. What do I need to do?

Our Closing Shift consists of our three top fundraising teams versus the Buffalo Sabres Alumni and special guests. Each game will be 50 minutes. 

Volunteer

Is there anything I can do to get ready now in regard to volunteering?

Yes!  You can recruit your family, friends and colleagues to volunteer for The 11 Day Power Play. When volunteer registration opens, you can sign up to volunteer together. 

How old do you need to be to volunteer?

You must be 16 years old to volunteer. Children under 16 cannot accompany their parents. 

What are the benefits of being a volunteer?

As a volunteer, you receive complimentary food and beverages, a volunteer T-shirt and most importantly, you’ll be making a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. You can play and volunteer. There are volunteer opportunities throughout the event. 

For more information on volunteering email nate@11daypowerplay.com 

Corporate/ Sponsorship

How can my company become a sponsor?

The first step is to contact sara@11daypowerplay.com.

What are the benefits of being a sponsor?

Each sponsorship level has a complete package of benefits. You can see our full sponsorship package here. There are all different levels depending on your needs and wants. 

Does sponsorship count towards my fundraising goal?

Yes, all sponsor dollars you secure will be counted towards your fundraising goal and help you earn rewards.

Is it possible to contribute goods, services, or time as opposed to financial sponsorship?

Yes! Please contact amy@11daypowerplay.com for details on in kind donations, matching gifts and corporate volunteering.  

Spectators

How can I purchase merchandise for The 11 Day Power Play?

2024 merchandise will be sold onsite from 9am-12am throughout the event, and available online after the event. 

Can my family and friends come and watch me play? Is there a fee to enter?

There are no gate fees for this event. We encourage family and friends to come and support you.

Will there be food/beverages available for purchase by players and spectators?

Yes. Harborcenter’s Southern Tier snack bar on the 6th floor serves snacks and beer. Hours of operation is TBD. We’ll communicate this detail once we receive notice from Southern Tier.

Are my family and friends allowed to come on the bench or in the locker room?

No. For the safety of all, only our staff, players and designated volunteers will be allowed beyond the doors leading to locker rooms and ice rink. Players will be allowed in 30 minutes prior and up to an hour after. Volunteers will be permitted access during their assigned shifts. We ask all players and their families/friends to respect this rule. There is the potential for 120+ people behind the scenes at any time and we need to keep the halls clear of all others for safety purposes. 

Parking

Do I need to pay to park at Harborcenter?

Players and volunteers will be given a QR code to park in the ramp for free. The 11 Day Power Play does not have any control over parking for spectators. There will be a daily parking fee, which will increase if there is a special event at KeyBank Arena or Canalside. We encourage using the subway train or drop-off transportation to avoid the fees in these situations.