1982 Canadian Figure Skating Pins: Fire and Ice.

Last Updated on October 11, 2025 by Netropolitan Museum

A subtle nod to Manitoba’s agricultural roots complements the event pin

From reports filed at the time, it was bitterly cold outside when the 1982 Canadian Figure Skating Championships came to Brandon, Manitoba, in late January of that year. Fortunately, some exciting skating—and unexpected results—helped to warm up the spectators inside and make for a memorable event. In contrast, the pins issued for the 1982 Canadian Figure Skating Championships are less memorable but showed a marked difference in look and feel versus pins from many previous Canadian national events. The 1982 pins use a “fire and ice” color palette of gold and pastel green—the vibrant gold being warm and rich while the green pastel is cold and flat. Helping just a bit is the nation’s beloved maple leaf in red.

Pins Gallery: 1982 Canadian Figure Skating Championships

Along the edge of the logo pin, in gold, is a laurel leaf design of wheat stalks. It creates an interesting, irregular shape and is an element commonly used to denote victory or achievement. Bands of green and gold extend around the edge of the pin, framing it nicely.

The wheat motif also serves as a subtle nod to Manitoba’s agricultural roots, reflecting the character of its host city. Collectors often appreciate these regional touches, even when the overall design leaves something to be desired. At the center of the pin is a pair of skaters—reminiscent of 1980s Canadian pairs champions Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini—that appear to be mid-crossover on the imaginary ice. Above them are the event name, location, and year: “Canadians Brandon ’82.” The colloquial “Canadians” takes the place of the formal event name and mirrors how athletes and fans referred to the event in conversation. It gives the pin a casual, insider feel. Below the skaters and to the right is the maple leaf, acting as a sort of punctuation mark. A nice detail is the generously rounded upper right corner, which softens the overall feel of the pin.

Like many Canadian Championship events before it, the 1982 Canadians were commemorated with a larger version of the logo pin. Made in limited quantity, larger pins are often called “officials” pins and are given only to competitors and selected event officials. Identical in design to the logo pin, the large version was acquired from the estate of a Canadian judge who officiated the 1982 event.

Humble in design yet rooted in their time and place, the 1982 Brandon pins remain part of the broader story of Canadian Figure Skating Championship history.

This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on November 12, 2022, and has been updated with new and expanded information.

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