Courtesy of Hockey Canada:
HOCKEY CANADA, TIM HORTONS® ANNOUNCE EXPANDED MARKETING PARTNERSHIP
Tim Hortons named Premier Marketing Partner and presenting sponsor of Centennial Cup
CALGARY, Alta. – Building on its dynamic partnership that includes the title sponsorship of the Timbits® Initiation Program (U7), Hockey Canada announced today that Tim Hortons is expanding its relationship with the world-leading hockey organization and becoming its fourth Premier Marketing Partner.
In this broader partnership, Tim Hortons will be the presenting sponsor of the Centennial Cup, Canada’s National Junior A Championship, beginning with the 50th edition of the event, set for May 9-17, 2020 in Portage la Prairie, Man.
“Tim Hortons is an iconic Canadian brand with deep roots in the hockey community. We are excited to welcome Tim Hortons to our family of Premier Marketing Partners, and to grow our partnership with an organization that dynamically aligns with our commitment to and passion for the game,” said Mike Ross, chief business development officer for Hockey Canada. “Tim Hortons will have a tremendous impact from the grassroots level up to the international game and will play a vital role as presenting sponsor of the Centennial Cup, building the team, fan and volunteer experience as well as the financial legacy of the event for years to come.”
The expanded partnership will also see Tim Hortons extending its support of Canada’s national teams, and, as a Premier Marketing Partner, the brand will increase its participation and activations at Hockey Canada’s national events. Tim Hortons will also play a major role creating best-in-class fan experiences at key international events such as the IIHF World Junior Championship and IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“Since the day we opened our first restaurant in 1964, hockey has always been core to our brand and we’re excited to expand our support with Hockey Canada in a meaningful way to make an impact on minor sports and Team Canada,” says Chris Wakefield, lead, regional marketing & sponsorships, Tim Hortons. “Every year through our Timbits Minor Sports Program we ensure that we keep sport fun, so kids continue to play and don’t just excel, but achieve their dreams. We are incredibly proud of our local restaurant owners across Canada who help kids do just that every year.”
Tim Hortons restaurant owners in communities across Canada continue to aid the growth and development of hockey at the grassroots level by supporting over 100,000 children across Canada through the Timbits Minor Sports Program. Timbits Sports provides opportunities for kids aged four to eight to play house league sports with a philosophy not based on winning or losing, but on learning a new sport, making new friends and having fun so young hockey players can learn the game in a positive and playful environment.
Hosts named for 2021 and 2022 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons
Hockey Canada also announced the host cities for the 2021 and 2022 editions of the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, with Penticton, B.C., welcoming the event in 2021 and Estevan, Sask., hosting in 2022.
The Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) will play host to four regional champions at the 5,000-seat South Okanagan Events Centre in 2021. The event represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), B.C. Hockey, the BCHL, the Vees and the local host organizing committee.
“With our organization about to celebrate its 60th anniversary of Junior A hockey, we are very appreciative to have been awarded the 2021 Centennial Cup,” said Fred Harbinson, president, general manager and head coach of the Vees. “It is our mandate to raise the standard of this tremendous event both on and off the ice, and we know the next 20 months will be extremely memorable for all Vees fans, young and old.”
In 2022, the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) will welcome four of the top Junior A teams in the country to 2,700-seat Affinity Place. The 52nd edition of the event represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the CJHL, Saskatchewan Hockey Association, the SJHL, the Bruins and the local host committee.
“The City of Estevan and Estevan Bruins Hockey Club are very pleased to have been chosen as the host of the 2022 Centennial Cup, and together the City of Estevan and Estevan Bruins are committed to hosting a world-class event,” said event co-chairs Greg Hoffort and Cory Prokop. “With support from the city, first-class facilities and a strong hockey tradition in Estevan we are confident in our ability to host one of the best tournaments to date. Our team of dedicated volunteers will begin planning this prestigious event with Hockey Canada and we look forward to the excitement that the tournament will bring to Estevan as we welcome teams and fans from across Canada.”
The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will make its return to British Columbia for the sixth time in 2021, while Saskatchewan will welcome the event for the 10th time in 2022.
Schedule and ticket information for both events will be announced at a later date.
