The Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons recently dropped a puck that’s sending ripples across the nation, striking the tender hearts of hockey lovers and collectors alike. Teaming up with Upper Deck, the company launched the “Greatest Duos” hockey card promotion, spotlighting treasured pairings from the sport’s history, jazzed up with a dash of exclusive prizes. All this culminated in a breathtaking kickoff that witnessed many locations running dry of stock by the end of opening day.
When the doors swung open on that bustling Monday morning, it was clear that Tim Hortons was not merely selling coffee and doughnuts but had leveraged full-throttle into the heart of Canadian culture – hockey. At the core of the craze stands rookie sensation Connor Bedard, whose cards are pulling in a crowd reminiscent of the Black Friday dash.
The series sets itself apart with a charmingly clever theme: celebrated duos from the ice. From current NHL stars to revered legends, these cards capture dynamic pairings that have left indelible marks on the game. Amongst the special inserts, enthusiasts find “Linked by Numbers”, a brilliant concept pairing players who share jersey numbers. Another, “Bounded by Honour”, pays homage to players linked through prestigious NHL awards, picturing them in a light that fans both old and new will cherish.
The glitter doesn’t stop there. Tim Hortons cleverly ups the ante with autographs from NHL celebrities like Sidney Crosby teamed with Nate MacKinnon, and the brotherly duo of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. These signatures cast a spell of rarity, making these packs an alluring hunt for fans. Moreover, the appeal skyrockets with the interactive “Collect to Win Golden Prize” cards. These cards are not mere collectors’ items but golden tickets to lavish prizes such as a sleek Hyundai vehicle, a close encounter with Nick Suzuki, or bountiful gift cards. This mix of tradition and exhilarating new experiences serves up a compelling treat for all.
Affordability plays a key role in this initiative. A pack of cards comes at a modest $1.50 when purchased with a beverage or $1.99 solo, making the excitement accessible to a diverse range of consumers from excited teens to nostalgic adults. There’s even a thoughtful inclusion for the dedicated collectors—a stylish binder available at $19.99 to store these treasures, turning collections into heirlooms.
As the excitement of the “Greatest Duos” promotion builds, it dovetails neatly with the NHL Hockey Challenge and the fever of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, promising even deeper engagement. The promotional campaign cleverly integrates opportunities to win more exciting rewards including trips to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final and even yearly supplies of coffee.
But perhaps the most magical aspect of Tim Hortons’ latest venture is how it stitches together the community fabric. In a display of insightful marketing and genuine love for the game, they have turned a simple cup of coffee into a shared communal experience. As these cards shuffle through the hands of thousands, they weave tales of legendary duos, unforgettable games, and personal collections that deepen the roots of hockey across Canadian soil.
Tim Hortons’ “Greatest Duos” hockey cards have not just set new standards in sports memorabilia promotions; they have reminded us of the joyful commotion that a simple card pack can invoke. For many, this thrill is a first—the first card, the first trade, the first step into the vast, vibrant world of hockey fandom. Each card flipped is a nostalgia trip and a new story written, a token of past glories and exciting futures, ensuring that while the cards may run out, the stories will resonate long after.
