1987 Canadian Figure Skating Pins: A Humble Snowflake.

Last Updated on March 28, 2026 by Netropolitan Museum

Ottawa, Ontario, hosted the annual event, marked by a pin with a seldom-used snowflake motif

Ottawa, the vibrant capital of Canada situated in eastern Ontario, has long been a favorite stage for figure skating, hosting everything from Skate Canada International to Canadian Championships to North American Championships to World Championships. Among these events, the 1987 Canadian Figure Skating Championships featured two pins that show how a small collectible can capture both the spirit of an event and the time period itself. Without a doubt, these pins look like the 1980s.

Although snowflake motifs may seem almost obligatory for winter sports collectibles, they are rarely seen in figure skating pins, somewhat surprisingly. The 1987 Canadians pins take an unusual approach, combining whimsy and precision, by turning the familiar snowflake into a tribute to the athletic artistry on the ice. They remind us that even modest designs appeal to both seasoned collectors and casual admirers.

Pins Gallery: 1987 Canadian Figure Skating Championships

The main logo shows six simple line illustrations of a figure skater arranged to form the snowflake’s intricate shape. With arms extended and a leg raised in graceful balance, the skater’s pose mirrors the symmetry associated with snowflakes. The skater’s circular-shaped head adds softness to the overall design, even if the figure is somewhat reminiscent of the United Way logo. Cool winter blue dominates the illustrations, while at the heart of the snowflake, encased in a circle, is the logo of the Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA, today known as Skate Canada). Below, the event details are stacked neatly: “Canadians ’87 Ottawa–Nepean.” The enamel rests on a gold-colored base metal with a bright white background, giving the pin a crisp, wintry elegance.

A companion pin, nearly 50% larger than the logo pin, was likely reserved for competitors and select officials. The design mirrors the smaller pin exactly, but its size makes it feel like a badge of distinction. During this era, it was common for Canadian Championship events to issue limited-edition pins, sometimes multiple special versions, and occasionally pins marked “Competitor” or “Sponsor.”

Whether admired for design, historical significance, or the simple joy of collecting, the 1987 Canadian Figure Skating Championships pins continue to tell a story. They are a reminder that even small collectibles can reflect the artistry, competition, and national pride that make figure skating such a beloved sport.

This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on March 4, 2023, and has been updated with new and expanded information.

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