Thursday night saw the second annual Smashfest Charity Ping-Pong Challenge take place in Toronto at the Steam Whistle Brewery.
NHLer Dominic Moore held the inaugural event last summer to help raise money and awareness for concussion research. This summer’s Smashfest also incorporates the Katie Moore Foundation, which is dedicated to helping patients and families with rare cancers through research, advocacy, and community. Dominic’s wife, Katie, tragically passed away in January from a rare form of liver cancer at the age of 32.
Dominic Moore recently told YorkRegion.com this ping-pong angle is an idea that differs from players conducting the usual celebrity charity golf events during the offseason.
“(Table tennis) a big part of hockey culture,” said Moore. “This event is a great way to bring the dressing room culture to the public and show the players’ personalities in a unique way. You’d be impressed with some of the guys who will be playing and to see different personalities when they’re out of their hockey equipment and showing off their athletic prowess.”
Players and fans alike shared their experiences at the charitable event via Twitter.
#ThePlayers get introduced to the fans at #Smashfest pic.twitter.com/EKlFcucjcG
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 26, 2013
Couldn't be prouder to support @mooredom and his event. #smashfest pic.twitter.com/kL9b80ZRVU
— Zenon Konopka (@ZenonKonopka) July 26, 2013
.@mooredom thanking the crowd for coming out tonight to support cancer/concussion research. #smashfest pic.twitter.com/go4Xd7bIVx
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 26, 2013
And Stephane Veilleux is the champ! #smashfest pic.twitter.com/1F6XuHZbq8
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 26, 2013
Great time at Smashfest! Nice seeing my old teammate @Logancouture.. Hate to admit it but he beat me in pong pic.twitter.com/WnQhb82ys1
— TJ Galiardi (@TJGaliardi) July 26, 2013
#Smashfest is rockin with the likes of St.Louis leading the way #nhlpa #steamwhistle pic.twitter.com/kcAuJ51DTN
— TheHeritageStickCo. (@HeritageStickCo) July 26, 2013
#NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman & Brendan Shanahan were at the #Smashfest 4 a #GoodCause 4 #charity. Good 4 them! #nhl #hockey #sports
— Vernon Chang (@MoVernie) July 26, 2013
#smashfest is now trending in Canada http://t.co/oLlm55D5s6
— Trendsmap Canada (@TrendsmapCanada) July 26, 2013
.@JRandalWard42 celebrating with his doubles teammate. #chestbump #smashfest pic.twitter.com/ScjPmmR8MJ
— Dominic Moore (@mooredom) July 26, 2013
@NHL @NHLPA #Hockey #Smashfest at full swing…@mooredo pic.twitter.com/btjqyWp5Hb
— Killerspin (@Killerspin) July 26, 2013
Gr8 to see Mo bro @georgeparros at #Smashfest. Killing it on the ping pong tables! @movemberca pic.twitter.com/ovFWRdPJwT
— Pete Bombaci (@MoBroPete) July 26, 2013
Steve Montador looks the part here at #Smashfest pic.twitter.com/SDy29uY2KA
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 26, 2013
#smashfest looked awesome. So happy that @mooredom gets to represent the New York Rangers organization. #classact
— Michal Laub (@hankyouverymuch) July 26, 2013
So Tim McGraw, Justin Bieber, the Blue Jays and #Smashfest are going on tonight… And I'm at #Smashfest with @mgrossiTFP. Eat it Bieber.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 26, 2013
Phil putting his ping pong skills to work for a good cause at #Smashfest #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/gslvN8qkHb
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 26, 2013
.@PKessel81 having fun at #Smashfest pic.twitter.com/cdQLaRhrKr
— Dominic Moore (@mooredom) July 26, 2013
Congrats @mooredom @NHLPA on another successful #smashfest Great night with great people for a great cause!
— Nancy Hastings (@nancy9911) July 26, 2013
.@Logancouture makes this look easy. #Smashfest pic.twitter.com/tngoScEQ7l
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 26, 2013
Hope everyone is having a great time at #SmashFest we are proud to be supporting this wonderful cause!
— Purdys Chocolatier (@PurdysChocolate) July 26, 2013
#smashfest with lupi pic.twitter.com/tkNWKB7RkR
— Davor (@davs_08) July 25, 2013