As the sun rose over the expansive Canadian landscape, a buzz filled the air at Tim Hortons locations from Vancouver to Halifax. The unveiling of the “Greatest Duos” hockey card promotion, a collaborative effort with Upper Deck, couldn’t have come on a more average Monday—transforming it into a day of nationwide excitement and community gathering.
The cause of this fervor? Hockey cards. But not just any hockey cards. This series had a twist that appealed to the sentimental and the competitive: cards showcasing not one, but pairs of hockey heroes. Add to this the rookie cards of Connor Bedard, a name sending waves through the world of hockey aficionados, and you had a recipe for a blockbuster day. By the afternoon, “Sold Out” signs hung in numerous Tim Hortons stores, the staff just as overjoyed and overwhelmed by the enthusiasm as the patrons themselves.
What sets the “Greatest Duos” apart are not merely the glossy finishes or the action-packed images, but the stories these cards tell—tales of teamwork, shared victory, and mutual respect between players who are both legends and contemporaries. Special inserts like “Linked by Numbers” and “Bounded by Honour” explore these relationships through shared jersey numbers and prestigious awards, making each pack a mini-archive of hockey history.
The thrill of finding an autographed card is palpable. Among the most coveted are those signed by the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nate MacKinnon or the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady. These signatures transform pieces of printed cardboard into treasures, carrying with them dreams of ice-glazed arenas and the deafening roar of a goal.
The buzz isn’t just about collecting but also about winning. Integrated into these packs are golden tickets—the “Collect to Win Golden Prize” cards. A lucky few who find these treasures can win anything from a spanking new Hyundai to a meet-and-greet with NHL star Nick Suzuki, not to mention gift cards that could significantly boost one’s coffee consumption.
Accessibility is key in this promotion. At a mere $1.50 with any beverage, or $1.99 on their own, the cards are an affordable luxury, a small treat sparking joy. Families and young enthusiasts crowd the counters, some seasoned collectors, others young novices whose excitement could barely be contained as they ripped open their first pack, their eyes wide with the magic of discovery.
For the earnest collector, Tim Hortons has issued a special binder available for $19.99—a sturdy, sleek keeper of dreams where these cards can be neatly displayed and preserved. This, too, is more than an accessory; it’s a central piece in the ritual of collection and camaraderie, linking generations over shared love for the sport.
As Tim Hortons leans into this promotion, the excitement builds not just around the cards but also around the NHL Hockey Challenge and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The brand cleverly weaves the thrill of collecting with the exhilaration of the game, offering patrons a chance to win a trip to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final or enjoy a year’s supply of free coffee.
This “Greatest Duos” promotion does more than just sell cards—it weaves into the fabric of Canadian culture, celebrating the nation’s beloved sport while fostering a sense of community and shared excitement. It highlights Tim Hortons’ knack for tapping into the heart of Canada’s passion, resonating with young and old alike, creating moments of joy, anticipation, and national pride that will resonate long into the future. As these cards circulate, they bind collectors, fans, and families, reminding everyone that sometimes, it’s more than just a game.
