For the second annual Smashfest! event, 25 current and former NHL players – including Martin St. Louis, Phil Kessel, David Clarkson, Logan Couture, George Parros, Stephane Veilleux, Matt Stajan, Joel Ward, T.J. Galiardi and Jeff Skinner – came together with fans and ping-pong enthusiasts alike for some fun while raising awareness and much needed research funds for rare cancers and concussions.

“Smashfest was a great event. I was thrilled to be part of it with so many other NHL players,” said David Clarkson, Toronto Maple Leafs forward and Smashfest! participant. “It was a ton of fun, and it’s great to see that the event raised significant funds for two great causes.”

Those in attendance had the opportunity to square off at the ping-pong table against NHL players, and were also able to bid on one-of-a-kind items through both live and silent auctions, helping raise money for charity.

“It was a real pleasure to travel to Toronto for this unique event hosted by Dominic,” said Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning forward and Smashfest! participant. “Smashfest was a hit for both hockey fans and NHL players in attendance.”

Veilleux, Minnesota Wild forward, lived up to his reputation as an outstanding ping-pong player by winning both tournaments, defeating St. Louis in the singles tournament final to be crowned the 2013 Smashfest! champion.

More than 600 people attended last night’s event at the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto, Ontario.