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Papa Johns and the CHL® Launch “Champions of Tomorrow” to Support Canada's Young Hockey Players

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EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Papa Johns Canada and the Canadian Hockey Leagu...

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AI Summary

Papa Johns Canada is initiating the Champions of Tomorrow Program, which supports youth hockey through scholarships and donations from customer orders. This initiative aims to inspire young athletes while enhancing community involvement in hockey across Canada, with nominations open until March 31, 2026.

Trading Thesis

Increased brand awareness may positively impact PZZA's sales and stock performance.

Market-Moving

  • Papa Johns’ community engagement could elevate brand loyalty and future sales.
  • New scholarship may attract increased customer traffic with promotional codes.
  • Positive brand association from youth sports programs may drive customer sentiment.
  • Scholarship initiative aligns with philanthropic trends in consumer choices.

Key Facts

  • Champions of Tomorrow Program funded by $1 from each $35+ order until June 30.
  • Scholarship amount is $25,000 CAD, awarded to one youth hockey player.
  • Papa Johns has around 6,000 restaurants globally.
  • Nominations valid for youth under 18 in Canada.

Companies Mentioned

  • Papa John’s International (PZZA): Promotional initiatives may enhance brand visibility.
  • Canadian Hockey League (CHL): Partnership may boost Papa Johns’ reputation in local communities.

Corporate Developments

This initiative falls under corporate developments, showcasing Papa Johns' commitment to community engagement and youth sports, reinforcing its brand image through positive public relations.

FAQ

Why Bullish?

Historical engagement initiatives have typically led to improved company visibility and sales. For example, other food chains that supported community programs have seen increases in customer loyalty and brand image.

How important is it?

The program enhances brand perception, potentially driving up customer base and sales, thus significantly impacting stock performance.

Why Short Term?

The promotional initiative has immediate effects, with potential sales boosts seen during the program's active period, but long-term impacts depend on sustained engagement.

Related Companies

CMGDPZDOMO

Papa Johns and CHL Launch "Champions of Tomorrow" Program for Young Hockey Players

EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 6, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Papa Johns Canada has partnered with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL®) to introduce the Champions of Tomorrow Program, a national initiative dedicated to supporting youth hockey across Canada. Central to this program is the Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship, valued at $25,000 CAD, along with a VIP trip for two to the 2026 Memorial Cup Championship Weekend presented by Kubota. This scholarship is aimed at recognizing a Canadian youth hockey player who exemplifies leadership, commitment, and a positive impact within their community.

Donation Campaign to Support Youth Hockey

From January 6 through June 30, 2026, every $35+ order placed with the promo code CHLCHAMPS will contribute $1 towards the initiative, with a goal of raising up to $100,000 CAD. The funds raised will first be allocated to the Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship, with any remaining donations directed towards provincial youth hockey initiatives across Canada. These initiatives include:

  • Access to hockey equipment
  • Development and training opportunities
  • Community hockey programs

Michael Prentice, Senior Franchise Growth Director at Papa Johns Canada, stated, “It’s easy to cheer for a champion once they’ve made it — we want to cheer for them at the start. Through our partnership with the CHL, the Champions of Tomorrow Program provides meaningful support for young Canadians pursuing their goals on and off the ice.”

Nominations Open for Young Players

Nominations for the scholarship are now open and will be accepted until March 31, 2026. Eligible participants include youth under 18 who play minor, school, or community hockey across Canada. Nominations must be submitted by an adult (18+), such as a parent, guardian, coach, teacher, or mentor.

A joint judging panel from Papa Johns and the CHL will evaluate all eligible nominations, and the recipient of the scholarship will be announced publicly by May 1, 2026. Interested individuals can find more details and submit nominations at contests.chl.ca/papajohns.

About Papa Johns (Nasdaq: PZZA)

Founded in 1984, Papa John’s International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PZZA) operates with a commitment to providing better ingredients and better pizza. The company’s original dough contains only six fresh, never frozen ingredients, and its pizzas are topped with real cheese made from mozzarella and high-quality tomato sauce. Notably, Papa Johns was the first national pizza delivery chain to eliminate artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its food menu.

Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky, and ranks as the third-largest pizza delivery corporation globally, boasting approximately 6,000 locations in roughly 50 countries and territories. For further information or to place an order, visit www.PapaJohns.ca or download the Papa Johns mobile app.

About the CHL®

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the largest development hockey league in the world, with 52 Canadian and nine American teams in leagues such as the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL is recognized for producing more players for the National Hockey League (NHL) and U SPORTS than any other league. For detailed information about the CHL, visit chl.ca.

Contact Information

For media inquiries related to the Champions of Tomorrow Program, please contact:

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