In what has become one of the NHL offseason’s most highly anticipated events, Smashfest lived up to its sterling reputation, delivering a memorable night of great fun, rich stories, and most importantly, community.

After a two-year hiatus from its home venue at Steam Whistle Brewing in Toronto, the 10th running of Dominic Moore’s charity ping-pong challenge for concussion and rare-cancer research had no trouble getting back in the swing of things.

Here are five reasons, in no particular order, that make Smashfest a smash hit.

1. The Atmosphere

Within the confines of Steam Whistle’s rustic main room, players, celebrities, media members, and fans blend together, enjoying good food and drinks and energetic music, in the spirit of friendly and sometimes intense matches.

Smashfest is a rare event in that fans and players work side-by-side to achieve a common goal, while getting the opportunity to engage in some friendly conversation. It’s something the players and fans readily enjoy. While most of their engagement with fans comes through the plexiglass at NHL arenas, Smashfest offers a one-of-a-kind interaction that puts a smile on everyone’s faces.

2. The Players

Besides being the main attraction in the eyes of media and fans, the players are just as excited and engaged as everybody else. Nearly two dozen NHL players, past and present, made the trip to 255 Bremner Boulevard in support of Dominic Moore. Among the group was Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman. Coming off a career year, headlined by a trip to the Western Conference Finals, Hyman made Smashfest a priority on his summer to-do list. “Smashfest is one of my favourite events of the year,” said the seven-year NHL veteran. “It’s great to catch up with present and past teammates and play some ping pong, all for great causes.”

This level of enthusiasm and buy-in from the players speaks to the genuine interest they have in connecting with those who support them both on and off the ice. Smashfest, which is supported by the NHLPA, is also a place where the players get to catch up with one another and in certain instances, have the opportunity to meet each other for the first time.

From Ted Lindsay Award winners, to all-star standouts, to some of the grittiest and hard-working types in the game, the players who show up to Smashfest always come up aces.

3. The Competition

One might think trading in sticks for paddles could dampen the players’ competitive spirits. While that may be the case for the average person, these are professional athletes and playing to win is in their DNA. It doesn’t matter if they’re staring each other down on the ice or on opposite ends of the table, the burning desire to win cannot be extinguished.

In recent years, ping-pong has emerged as a recreational pillar throughout several NHL locker rooms, with Smashfest taking over as the ultimate site for settling rubber matches, sparking new rivalries, and determining bragging rights.

In typical fashion, whether it was novices, middleweights, or seasoned pros, the competitive adrenaline was on full display.

4. The Causes

At its core, Smashfest is about raising awareness and money for concussion and rare-cancer research. Over the years, funds raised from Smashfest have aided research conducted by the Broad Institute of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Harvard, the Steve Moore Foundation, and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Robarts Research Institute.

For Hockey Hall of Famer, Doug Gilmour, Smashfest is an opportunity to show support for two causes so close to his heart. Although his ping-pong skills may not stack up to his legendary on-ice talents, the 1982 seventh-round selection put things into perspective. “Obviously, concussions and cancer are problems that we all face, not just as athletes but also as individuals,” said Gilmour. “When he [Dominic Moore] called me, I told him I’d love to come down.”

5. Dominic Moore

With 12 NHL seasons (897 games) and 10 years of spearheading Smashfest under his belt, Dominic Moore has built quite the résumé amongst his peers. His reach extends across players of the past and into present, uniting two generations under a cause that will continue to flourish, even when their playing days are over.

Referred to by many as “Dom,” the Thornhill, ON native is the driving force behind all the good that Smashfest stands for. To date, he has helped raise over $1M for concussion and rare cancer research; an accomplishment that holds him in high regard among all attendees, including Seattle Kraken LW Brandon Tanev. “Dominic is a great person. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know him over the years, so anytime you can show support, it’s a great way to help out.”

Game, Set, Match

The combination of player participation, fan power, a pair of great causes, and fun competition makes Smashfest a top-shelf event on the Toronto summer calendar.

(Photo credit: NHLPA Twitter)