Sportsnet and Tim Hortons® to broadcast 20 minute documentary on November 7
OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ – In October, Tim Hortons shared the story of the Ice Lions, Kenya’s only hockey team. Tim Hortons flew 12 members of the senior Ice Lions team to Canada, they had never had the opportunity to play against another team. After dressing in brand new CCM hockey equipment and personalized jerseys, the team was joined by some surprise teammates -– National Hockey League® stars Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.
The video quickly went viral in Canada, the U.S. and around the world in countries including the UK, Spain, Germany, Kenya and Russia. Canadians wanted to know more about the team and how they could help support hockey in Kenya. In response to the overwhelming interest, Tim Hortons is partnering with Sportsnet to air a special 20-minute documentary on November 7th following the Pittsburgh Penguins® vs. Washington Capitals® game.
“We were completely blown away by the amount of support the story received from Canadians and hockey fans all over the world,” says Jorge Zaidan, Head of Marketing, Tim Hortons Canada. “Our guests were inspired as much as we were and wanted to learn more about the team. So we’re thrilled that the documentary will share more of the Ice Lions’ story.”
“After Tim Hortons shared our story, the offers to help our team and grow hockey in Kenya have not stopped,” says Benard Azegere, captain of the Kenya Ice Lions. “The attention is more than anything we could have imagined. Truly a dream come true.”
To ensure support for the next generation of Kenyan hockey players, Tim Hortons made a donation to Kenya’s Youth Hockey League. Since the original video aired, the Ice Lions are determined more than ever to expand their membership and to have enough players to form Kenya’s first women’s hockey team.
Tim Hortons invites Canadians to take part in the conversation by using the hashtag #TheAwayGame on Twitter.
About TIM HORTONS®
Tim Hortons®, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America’s largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. Tim Hortons has more than 4,700 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and around the world. More information about the company is available at www.timhortons.com.
Tim Hortons created the Ice Lions video and documentary with the help of Toronto agency Zulu Alpha Kilo.
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For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Amy Shanfield, North Strategic: Amy.Shanfield@northstrategic.com