If you thought Canadians couldn’t possibly get any more enthusiastic about hockey, think again. Tim Hortons, the coffee chain synonymous with Canadian identity much like hockey itself, has once again found a way to stoke the fires of national passion with its latest promotion. This isn’t just any promotional event; it’s a veritable collector’s delight and a frenzy-inducing phenomenon rolled into one, courtesy of their “Greatest Duos” hockey card series.
Launched on a seemingly ordinary Monday morning, this promotion quickly transcended the bounds of the ordinary, thanks in no small part to the inclusion of Connor Bedard rookie cards—a name that sends shivers down the spines of hockey aficionados. The buzz was instantaneous, sweeping across the nation faster than a slapshot, leading to an unprecedented sell-out at various Tim Hortons outlets, all scrambling to stock the coveted cards.
In collaboration with Upper Deck, a renowned name in the sports card industry, Tim Hortons crafted a series that captures the essence of hockey through its most iconic partnerships. The “Greatest Duos” aren’t just pairs of players; they are storytelling elements, frozen in time, chronicling tales of teamwork and triumph on the icy rinks. From current stars to legendary figures, these cards encapsulate moments of hockey greatness where pairs shined brighter together than they could have alone.
Beyond the sheer allure of collecting, this series is speckled with rare gems that multiply the thrill. Special inserts like “Linked by Numbers” forge a connection between players sharing a uniform number, creating a lineage of sorts. Meanwhile, “Bounded by Honour” elevates those linked by the prestige of NHL awards, adding layers of significance to the collectibles. And then, there are the crown jewels—autographed cards by the likes of Sidney Crosby paired with Nate MacKinnon, and the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, which are nothing short of a collector’s dream.
The promotion doesn’t shy away from grandeur in prizes, either. It elegantly integrates major sweepstakes—a new Hyundai car, an exclusive meet-and-greet with NHL star Nick Suzuki, and loaded gift cards, among others. These prizes are hidden within the packs in “Collect to Win Golden Prize” cards, turning every purchase into a potential jackpot.
Tim Hortons has priced these packs at a sweet spot—$1.50 with a beverage or $1.99 solo—making them accessible for everyone from enthusiastic youngsters getting their first taste of hockey culture to seasoned collectors. There’s even a specially crafted binder on offer for $19.99, designed to preserve and showcase these treasures, solidifying their status as collectibles.
As the NHL season heats towards the climactic Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tim Hortons is leveraging this timing to further engage with its customer base. The ongoing NHL Hockey Challenge and promotional tie-ins with the postseason galvanize the community around shared cheers and fears, binding them closer in the collective suspense of playoff outcomes. For some lucky fans, the rewards will transcend mere memorabilia, including trips to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final and the delight of free Tim Hortons coffee for a year.
This “Greatest Duos” card promotion goes beyond mere marketing; it’s a culturally enriching experience that celebrates and elevates Canada’s hockey heritage. Tim Hortons has adeptly tapped into the nation’s heartbeat, merging a ubiquitous love for hockey with the communal spirit of collecting. As these cards traverse from hand to hand and generation to generation, they are not just passing on player stats; they are sharing chapters of a larger Canadian story, one steeped in ice, fervor, and the echoes of cheering crowds. In its essence, this initiative is brewing more than coffee—it’s brewing connectivity, nostalgia, and the sheer joy of the game.
