Coca-Cola Zero immortalizes real life story of hockey greatness

It's time to meet the man, the myth, the legend

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - For the last two weeks Canadians have been asking 'Who is Kevin Wheeler?', aka @KevinWheels15.  Tonight Coca-Cola Zero® unveiled the man behind the mystery, celebrating his singular moment of sports greatness.

Kevin's story is the first film in a series being produced by Coca-Cola Zero® to pay tribute to sports-loving devotees across the country by telling the stories of their momentous sports events - their "Moment Zero".  Moment Zero is the moment before an epic event unfolds for a young Canadian. It's the moment when he or she makes a decision that leads to a legendary story that is talked about over and over again. In Kevin's case - it all began by forgetting his hockey equipment, but every moment is different.

"Coca-Cola Zero wanted to bring to life the story of the everyday unsung sports hero - the guy that has such an incredible sports story that it's become folklore amongst his group of friends", said Diego Moratorio, Senior Brand Manager, Coca-Cola Zero. "We're listening to our fans and the stories they're telling their friends and with Moment Zero, we're having a good time sharing them even more by creating these films."

In each film, the role of the hero is played by a sports legend that immortalizes the character and his moment of greatness.  Hockey star Jordan Eberle, right winger for the Edmonton Oilers, plays the starring role of Kevin Wheeler in this first film. And with the help of great Canadian hockey clubs and a partnership with TSN (The Sports Network), Coca-Cola Zero leveraged the film's talented actors, including star Jordan Eberle and supporting cast members Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole from TSN, and TSN sports personality Cabral 'Cabbie' Richards to get Canadians asking, 'Who is Kevin Wheeler?'

Cast members, including the now legendary Kevin Wheeler, were on hand tonight for the campaign's unveil at Real Sports Bar in Toronto, where the evening's festivities included a screening of the three-minute Moment Zero film.  A 60-second trailer for the film also aired on TSN during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks. For those Canadians who weren't able to catch the premiere of Kevin Wheeler's Moment Zero film live, this truly epic hockey story that includes missing hockey equipment, his mom and a police officer, can be viewed at YouTube.com/MomentZero.

"Coca-Cola Zero really wanted to 'Make it Possible' for some of our least expecting, but devoted fans - and with Moment Zero we've done just that," added Moratorio. "The Make it Possible - Moment Zero campaign embraces our fans and makes them a part of the story; it brings Coca-Cola Zero into the everyday lives and experiences of Canadians."

About Coca-Cola Canada
Coca-Cola in Canada operates in all ten provinces, employs 6,300 people in more than 50 facilities, including seven production facilities across Canada. We offer a wide variety of beverage brands, many of which come in no-calorie and low-calorie options. These beverages include sparkling soft drinks, still waters, juices and fruit beverages, sports drinks, energy drinks and ready-to-drink teas. We're proud to offer some of the most popular brands in Canada including Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coca-Cola Zero®, Sprite®, Fanta®, Nestea®, PowerAde®, Minute Maid®, Dasani® and vitaminwater®. Coca-Cola in Canada is represented by Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada and Coca-Cola Ltd. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.livepositively.ca or www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

SOURCE: Coca-Cola Ltd.

For more information or interview requests please contact:

Shannon Denny
Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada
[email protected]
416-424-6373 ph
647-637-2574 cell