The crack of dawn on a regular Monday witnessed an unparalleled frenzy as Tim Hortons, in collaboration with Upper Deck, unveiled its “Greatest Duos” hockey card promotion. The buzz was all about Connor Bedard’s rookie cards, a treasure trove for collectors, which flew off the shelves, leading to a sell-out at numerous outlets across Canada on the very first day. This promotion promised more than just cardboard cutouts—it was a celebration of hockey’s finest partnerships, both old and new.
This innovative series revamps the typical player card by featuring dynamic duos of hockey. From contemporary stars to legendary icons, these cards capture memorable on-ice partnerships that have left indelible marks on the sport. Special inserts like “Linked by Numbers” connect players who share a jersey number, while “Bounded by Honour” showcases athletes linked by prestigious NHL awards, adding layers of narrative and nostalgia to each pack.
In this collectors’ paradise, not only does one have the chance to snag Connor Bedard’s much-coveted rookie card, but also autographed cards from luminaries such as Sidney Crosby paired with Nate MacKinnon, and the Tkachuk brothers—Matthew and Brady. These signature cards integrate an element of rarity and desirability that can make any hockey aficionado’s heart skip a beat.
Understanding the gravitas of these simple yet profound pieces of laminated paper, Tim Hortons priced them competitively. At $1.50 with any qualifying beverage or $1.99 per pack otherwise, these cards are not just accessible but also serve as a gateway for many youngsters and families into a lifelong hobby of collection. For those looking to seriously engage with their collecting, a custom-designed binder is available at a reasonable $19.99, allowing aficionados to preserve and showcase their treasures.
But the “Greatest Duos” promotion is not just about collecting cards. It includes thrilling interactive elements designed to engage and reward participants. These include the coveted “Collect to Win Golden Prize” cards which could unlock a myriad of prizes: a brand-new Hyundai vehicle, an exclusive meet-and-greet with NHL star Nick Suzuki, and Tim Hortons gift cards—a delightful mix of rewards that heighten the excitement.
As the NHL Hockey Challenge and the buzz of the Stanley Cup Playoffs unfold, Tim Hortons plans to leverage this engagement further by offering more interactive challenges and rewards such as trips to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final and even free coffee for a year, keeping the excitement alive well beyond the initial card rush.
This card promotion goes beyond merely selling cards—it encapsulates a broader commitment by Tim Hortons to cherish and promote Canada’s deep-rooted hockey culture. It’s crafting moments of joy and community, linking fans with their heroes, and fostering new generations of hockey enthusiasts. The story of this promotion is one of unity and celebration, bridging generational and geographical divides through the shared love of a card, a player, or the simple joy of a new hobby.
In essence, Tim Hortons has managed not only to kick off a successful promotion but also to ignite a national event that resonates with Canadians’ profound passion for hockey. The “Greatest Duos” has thus become a heartfelt nod to the sport’s rich legacy and an affirmation of its burgeoning future, stitched together by the countless fans who now hold a part of hockey history in their hands. This campaign represents more than a marketing triumph—it encapsulates a cultural phenomenon, underlining the unifying power of Canada’s favorite winter sport embraced warmly with a cup of Tim Hortons’ coffee.