Not quite double-double, but Tim Hortons hockey cards cost more in N.L. than in rest of Canada

Olympic champion curler Jamie Korab has a new target in his sights: expensive Tim Hortons hockey cards.

Korab has been collecting the cards with his daughter, Kendra, for the last three years, so he was excited to get things going this year — until he noticed an increase in the price of packs.

When he bought 10 packs this week to get this year's collection started, the price was $30 instead of the usual $20, not including tax. He didn't think much of it initially, accounting it to the rising cost of goods, and was surprised later when he learned via social media that the price is higher in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Everywhere else in Canada, they're seeing it's $1.99. Newfoundland and Labrador, it's $2.99," Korab told CBC News on Wednesday. "There's basically a two-tiered system for hockey cards."

Korab said he's tried to contact Tim Hortons to ask why the price was raised in Newfoundland and Labrador but hasn't received a response.

The cards — sold three to a pack — are part of a seasonal promotion to mark the beginning of the NHL season. Collecting specialty cards can win customers prizes, varying from smaller rewards like coffee and doughnuts to larger prizes like a trip to the Stanley Cup Final and a meet-and-greet with hockey superstar Sidney Crosby.

Korab said he and his daughter are disappointed by the decision, as it will likely limit the number of cards they buy.

"She even thought something was off. So I said, 'How do you feel if we don't collect them this year?' She goes, 'Well, I'd like to, but if they're that much money…' It's basically a buck a card now," he said.

"I realize I'm privileged enough to be able to do these things … but I don't have the money to be throwing $3 a pack down and buying 10 packs at a time. Thirty dollars, it's just not in the cards. Literally."

Korab said he's heard from other collectors that the change will keep them from buying packs in the province. He's heard from people who say they'll likely get friends in other provinces to source packs in large quantities and then ship them to Newfoundland and Labrador.

He hopes Tim Hortons will cut the price to bring the province in line with the rest of Canada.

"If you're going to put the price up, put it up everywhere," he said. "It just leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth."

CBC News asked Tim Hortons the reason for the increased price in Newfoundland and Labrador. The company provided a statement that didn't explain the higher price but said it's "not uncommon" for prices of some products to vary across the country.

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