NHLPA Smashfest gets a cardboard treatment from Upper Deck
By Stephen Laroche | Beckett Hockey Editor
Each summer, several members of the National Hockey League Players’ Association get together in Toronto for Smashfest – an event where hundreds of fans get up close to their heroes as they play in a ping-pong tournament to raise funds for charity.
Those lucky enough to attend enjoyed a fun evening, but select attendees and sponsors also came away with a special pack of promotional cards produced specially for Smashfest by Upper Deck. The 11-card collection contains a mixture of active and retired players that have participated in the event, plus international tennis superstar Milos Raonic, who made a surprise appearance in 2015.
The NHLPA’s Manager, Business Affairs, Eric Epstein confirmed that it is a limited edition set and they are considering a second series for future editions of Smashfest.
Over the past five years, the players have raised $500,000 for research into concussions and rare forms of cancer through a combination of ticket sales, contributions, silent auctions, and support from sponsors.
Spearheaded by Dominic Moore, who hosted the event, over 20 current and former players made an appearance in 2016 along with Russell Martin and Josh Thole of the Toronto Blue Jays.
“I cannot express how thrilled and proud I am with the news that we have raised more than $500,000 over our first five years,” said Moore in a press release from the NHLPA. “Thanks to all involved for their contributions to a successful first five years. To see the way the event has grown is very rewarding and we look forward to continuing that trend and supporting collaborative research for concussions and rare cancers in the future. In addition to our fundraising, we are equally proud that Smashfest has been able to raise tremendous awareness for the causes we support, rallying fans far and wide.”
2016 Upper Deck NHLPA Smashfest checklist
SF-1 Dominic Moore
SF-2 Logan Couture
SF-3 Jeff Skinner
SF-4 Tyler Seguin
SF-5 Martin St. Louis
SF-6 Phil Kessel
SF-7 Steven Stamkos
SF-8 Milos Raonic
SF-9 Doug Gilmour
SF-10 Jason Spezza
SF-11 Smashfest
Hilarious…and for a good cause.