The Smash n' Bash Tournament is an open-level men's tournament that has been played for more than a decade in Whitefish, Montana. It features the fastest and most competitive adult hockey that is played all year in Whitefish. The winner brings home a travelling cup with every past winner inscribed upon it.
After a 10-2 blowout of the Big Sky Lumberjacks, and a 4-0 walk over Missoula's "What'll you have?", The Calgary 87's found themselves in a battle against Whitefish on Saturday night. Whitefish was already mathematically eliminated after going 1-1-1 in their first three games, but they broght their A game for a chance to play spoiler to the 87s, who were touted as favorites to win in 2016, only to lose to Whitefish on Saturday night 3-0. This time Calgary wouldn't falter, and the back and forth affair ended with Calgary ahead 3-2.
The Missoula Cutthroats had started off with a 3-3 tie on Friday against the Bawlf Blackhawks. But they made max points in their next two games, hammering the Black Gold Militia and the Blasters 7-0. They rolled into the finals for the first time since 2012.
The Cutthroats came out hot on Sunday morning. Scoring the first two goals, and the first period ended 2-0. But as soon as the teams changed ends, Calgary found the net. Calgary won the 2nd period 3-0, dominating the offensive zone and taking away almost all scoring opportunities for the Cutthroats.
The 3rd period was more of the same. Despite a great power play opportunity about half way through the period, Missoula just could not capitalize. Calgary got two more and the final score read 5-2. This is the second year in a row a Canadian team has claimed the cup.
Check out the 2016 Results
Click here to Dowload Hi-rez Championship Photo
Loading schedule... Loading teams...Tournament scoring awards 6 points for a win, 3 points for a tie, plus 1 point for each goal scored, up to 5 goals, and 2 points for a shutout. Maxium score for a given game is 13 points (6 for win, 5 for goals, 2 for shutout). Top two teams in each bracket play for their division's championship game.
