Upper Deck Tim Hortons hockey cards are a notable phenomenon in the world of sports memorabilia, combining the passion for hockey with the popularity of Tim Hortons, a prominent Canadian coffee and donut chain. Here’s a brief history:

Introduction and Collaboration: The partnership between Upper Deck, a major trading card company, and Tim Hortons began in 2015. This collaboration aimed to attract hockey fans and collectors by offering exclusive trading cards with purchases at Tim Hortons locations across Canada.

Annual Releases: Starting from 2015, Upper Deck and Tim Hortons have released a new set of hockey cards annually. These cards are usually available for a limited time during the NHL season.

Format and Availability: Customers receive packs of cards with certain purchases, such as beverages or food items, at Tim Hortons. Each pack typically contains a few cards featuring NHL players, including superstars and rookies.

Card Varieties: The sets often include various types of cards, such as base cards featuring players from different teams, special subsets like "Franchise Force" or "Clear Cut Phenoms," and even rare autographed cards or memorabilia cards.

Popularity and Collectibility: These cards have gained significant popularity among hockey fans and collectors, partly due to their limited availability and the thrill of finding rare cards. Some of the more sought-after cards, especially those with autographs or pieces of game-worn jerseys embedded in them, can become valuable on the secondary market.

Promotions and Community Engagement: The release of Tim Hortons hockey cards is often accompanied by promotional events and contests, further enhancing their appeal among collectors and fans of the sport.

Cultural Impact: Beyond their collectible value, Tim Hortons hockey cards have become a cultural phenomenon in Canada, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted love for hockey and its integration into everyday life, including visits to a popular coffee chain.

Overall, Upper Deck Tim Hortons hockey cards blend sports memorabilia with a unique retail experience, making them highly anticipated collectibles each NHL season among enthusiasts in Canada and beyond.