In a bold move that married the love of hockey with the joy of collecting, Tim Hortons launched its latest and perhaps most engaging promotion yet—the “Greatest Duos” hockey card series. This promotion, in collaboration with the revered sports card company Upper Deck, quickly transcended mere marketing to ignite a frenzy of excitement across Canada, reminiscent of the buzz surrounding a playoff game.
On an otherwise ordinary Monday, cafes transformed into arenas of anticipation as fans lined up early, eager to get their hands on these coveted cards. The allure? A chance to score rookie cards of Connor Bedard, an up-and-coming hockey prodigy. With demand soaring from the get-go, many locations reported that their stock was depleted within hours, a testament to the unmatched draw of this new collection.
What sets the “Greatest Duos” series apart isn’t just the inclusion of current hockey luminaries and esteemed veterans, but its novel focus on partnerships that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Imagine the thrill of unearthing a card that features both Sidney Crosby and Nate MacKinnon or the powerhouse sibling duo of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. In addition to these, the series offers special inserts like “Linked by Numbers” and “Bounded by Honour” which pair players by shared jersey numbers and prestigious awards, respectively.
Adding an extra layer of excitement are the rare autographed cards tucked randomly into packs. Pulling an autographed Crosby or MacKinnon could be akin to finding Willy Wonka’s golden ticket, but in the realm of hockey. And the cherry on top? Tim Hortons didn’t stop at cards. They also dangled the keys to a new Hyundai, an opportunity to meet NHL star Nick Suzuki, and various valuable gift cards through their “Collect to Win Golden Prize” cards, turning each pack opening into a potential jackpot.
With each card pack priced at $1.50 when bought with a drink, or $1.99 standalone, the promotion is strategically made accessible, casting a wide net over demographics ranging from young budding collectors to seasoned enthusiasts. A specially designed $19.99 binder also became available, turning collections into showcase-worthy compilations.
As the “Greatest Duos” hysteria unfurled, it proved to be more than just a seasonal promotion. In concert with the NHL Hockey Challenge and upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tim Hortons is setting the stage for continuous engagement throughout the hockey season, with promises of more prizes like trips to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final and even a year’s supply of free coffee. This strategic intertwining of promotional activities not only amplifies excitement but also ensures sustained interaction with the brand and the sport.
This groundbreaking initiative by Tim Hortons circles back to a deeper, more resonant chord within Canadian culture—a shared passion for hockey. It’s this shared sentiment that Tim Hortons has tapped into, turning what could have been a simple card-selling campaign into a communal event, evoking nostalgia, excitement, and a sense of unity among fans.
As the craze continues, the “Greatest Duos” promotion is likely to be remembered as a pivotal moment in the hobby of card collecting in Canada. It’s a reminder of the power of innovative marketing, the enduring appeal of hockey, and the joy of collecting. More than just cards, they are gateways to memories, stories, and a cherished pastime, bringing people together in celebration of a beloved national sport. Thus, as each pack is ripped open, so too is the fabric of Canadian hockey culture, woven a bit tighter with every new card discovered.
