The news builds on the partnership between the two parties, that includes Tim Horton's title sponsorship of the Timbits Initiation Programme for under-sevens.

In the new broader partnership, Tim Hortons will be the presenting sponsor of the Centennial Cup, Canada's National Junior A Championship.

This will begin with the 50th edition of the event, taking place in Portage la Prairie from May 9 to 17, 2020.

"Tim Hortons is an iconic Canadian brand with deep roots in the hockey community," Mike Ross, chief business development officer for Hockey Canada, said.

"We are excited to welcome Tim Hortons to our family of premier marketing partners, and to grow our partnership with an organisation that dynamically aligns with our commitment to, and passion for, the game.

"Tim Hortons will have a tremendous impact from the grass-roots 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 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship and IIHF Women's World Championship.

Tim Hortons restaurant owners in communities across Canada continue to aid the growth and development of hockey at the grass-roots level by supporting more than 100,000 children through the Timbits Minor Sports Programme. 

Timbits Sports provides opportunities for children 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.

"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," Chris Wakefield, lead of regional marketing and sponsorships at Tim Hortons, said.

"Every year, through our Timbits Minor Sports Programme, 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."

Hockey Canada has also announced the host cities for the 2021 and 2022 editions of the Centennial Cup, with Penticton welcoming the event in 2021 and Estevan in 2022.

The Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League will play host to four regional champions at the 5,000-seat South Okanagan Events Centre in 2021.

In 2022, the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League will welcome four of the top junior A teams in the country to the 2,700-seat Affinity Place.

The Centennial Cup will make its return to British Columbia for the sixth time in 2021, while Saskatchewan will stage the event for the 10th time in 2022.