Pin trading in hockey is a beloved tradition, allowing players, coaches, and parents to showcase team spirit while creating lasting memories and fostering sportsmanship. The excitement of pin exchanges at youth hockey tournaments, like the Showdown Tournaments, brings teams from all over the country together, resulting in an exhilarating and memorable tournament experience.
Unforgettable Experiences:
During my own upbringing, pin trading was a highlight of every hockey game. Whether we gathered in a hall, the rink lobby, or outside the locker rooms, the pre-game pin exchange was a cool ritual that allowed us to shake hands with opponents while swapping pins. It not only provided us with a unique souvenir but also exposed us to captivating logos. Through pin trading, we built relationships, collected tournament mementos, and cultivated good sportsmanship—a truly remarkable experience all within the realm of hockey.
Historical Significance:
Ever wonder how pin trading got its start…
The origins of pin trading can be traced back to the first modern Olympic Games. Initially serving as simple cardboard discs in various colors to identify athletes, judges, and officials, these pins eventually evolved into ornamental designs by 1904. Pin Trading took off in 1924 at the Olympic Village in Paris, as athletes and officials exchanged pins as a symbol of international friendship. This tradition of exchanging pins, representative of each nation, became a gesture of goodwill, fostering camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. The 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich witnessed a surge in pin trading among spectators with so many pin variations. Pin Trading is huge at every Olympics since.
Want to know more details about the beginnings of Olympic Pin Trading, from CBS News, just click the link.
Preparing for Pin Trading Season:
With hockey season approaching, pin trading season gears up too. The responsibility is considerable for parents entrusted with ordering trading pins, especially for significant tournaments. Even if your team’s participation in the pin trading event is still being determined, it is advisable to initiate the design process early on. Custom-made pins tailored specifically for your team become treasured keepsakes that can also be shared with friends and family.
Key Considerations:
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Start Early:
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Regardless of whether your team is confirmed for the pin trading event, commencing the design process as early as possible ensures a smooth experience. Your team will appreciate having specially crafted pins representing their unique identity, making the event even more memorable.
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Choosing the Best Pin Company:
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Selecting a reputable pin company is crucial to achieving your desired pin design. Having a general idea of what you are looking for beforehand is beneficial. If your team does not have a logo, providing the pin company with a concept or inspiration will help them meet your expectations. Online
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galleries, Facebook, and Instagram can provide great design ideas and inspiration.
Our personal favorite Pin Companies:
The Pin Zone | Mission Awards |GS-JJ.com
Lori at the Pin Zone has helped us create many Showdown Tournament Pins, going back to 2005. Adam at Mission Awards has been creating pins and medals for us since 2018. Please get in touch with them and let them know what you are looking for. If you don’t know what you are looking for quite yet, they will be a great asset in getting your youth hockey team pins ready. From start to finish, they are incredible.
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Pin Design:
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Familiarize yourself with different pin types to make an informed choice.
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From The Pin Zone, there are 5 major types of pins. They will be able to help you choose the right pin for your team.
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Cloisonne, Soft Enamel, Die-Struck, Photo Etched, and Screen Print.
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Understanding these options will help you select the pins that best suit your team’s preferences.
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When choosing the pin design, will it be the same pin to exchange throughout the season or do you want to create a special event pin to commemorate a tournament? Sometimes, these become collectibles for your teams as well.
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Order Quantity:
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Striking the right balance between ordering enough pins and avoiding excess is essential. A general formula to follow when ordering a single-pin design is to multiply the number of kids on your team by the number of teams participating in the tournament, and then multiply it by 1.2. This calculation accounts for extras to accommodate siblings for trading purposes and a few additional pins for players to keep or exchange with friends.
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Another thought about quantity is to order for your hockey club. This can increase the number of pins ordered and results in a quantity discount. We recommend discussing as a club and deciding what works best for your hockey organization.
Reminder: There is a lot of excitment that goes into exchanging and trading pins. The pins you’ve traded or brought to trade should be treated as valuables. Do not leave your pins unattended.