A B.C. couple tried to ship doughnuts to a Canadian hockey star at the World Juniors. U.S. rules stopped the sweet surprise cold.
A Thoughtful Idea for a Hockey Ritual
Sometimes, small gestures can mean the world. That’s exactly what Nanoose Bay couple John Watt and Elaine Tanner tried to do for Team Canada’s Brady Martin at the World Juniors in Minnesota. After learning that Martin eats two chocolate-glazed doughnuts before every game, Watt, a former college hockey player, realized the young athlete might struggle without his pre-game ritual. “I know how important these little routines are,” Watt said. “I thought, maybe I’ll just send him a case of doughnuts.”
Sweet Plans Hit a Sour Patch
The couple’s plan seemed simple at first: purchase a dozen chocolate doughnuts and ship them via express courier. But costs quickly mounted. Between shipping and security measures, the bill approached $300. With no Tim Hortons in Minnesota—or even nearby Michigan—Watt was determined. “I got a mission from God,” he joked. “Once I start something like this, I’m not giving up.”
Tracking Trouble Across the Border
At first, everything seemed on track. The package traveled from Nanaimo to Vancouver and then to FedEx’s Memphis hub. But then, it stopped moving. Frustrated by automated phone systems, Watt eventually reached a human representative. The verdict? U.S. FDA regulations and tariffs had blocked the shipment. “It was insane,” Watt said. “They rejected it.”
Rituals Are More Than Just Food
Elaine Tanner, Watt’s wife and an Olympic medallist, understood the importance of pre-game routines. She recalled needing chocolate chip cookies before swimming competitions to feel ready. “These small rituals really matter,” Tanner said. “It’s about comfort and focus.” The couple felt for Martin, knowing how much such routines can boost confidence.
A Symbol of Changing Times
Watt had coordinated with a Canadian reporter and Team Canada PR to try to deliver the doughnuts, but even that plan was complicated by rules. For the couple, the experience became more than a snack mishap. “It’s really a sign of the times,” Watt said. “In this world, a kind little gesture can get tangled in rules.” Tanner agreed, adding, “It’s just the craziness that the world is in right now—Canada, the U.S.—it’s nuts.”
Moving Forward With Team Spirit
The doughnuts returned to Nanoose Bay on January 3, and Watt plans to follow up for a refund. Despite the setback, the couple remains passionate supporters of Team Canada. On January 4, they shared their excitement for the semifinal match against Czechia. “Hopefully the team has better luck than we did with the doughnuts,” Tanner joked. Even though the mission failed, their enthusiasm for hockey—and for small acts of kindness—remains undiminished.
