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Our Christmas Tradition: In 1998, the Robin/Marcoux families, + friends, got together late Christmas evening to play street hockey. It was the only time we were all free from family gatherings. My brother Chris was living in Alberta at the time and was home just for a few days.
We decided to drop the ball exactly at midnight on Boxing Day to kick it off. Little did we know this street hockey game would become our longest/best Christmas tradition. No matter the conditions, we were ready to play. [Picture Circa 2008]
![We decided to drop the ball exactly at midnight on Boxing Day to kick it off. Little did we know this street hockey game would become our longest/best Christmas tradition. No matter the conditions, we were ready to play. [Picture Circa 2008]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqJBps1XIAEZnEV.jpg "We decided to drop the ball exactly at midnight on Boxing Day to kick it off. Little did we know this street hockey game would become our longest/best Christmas tradition. No matter the conditions, we were ready to play. [Picture Circa 2008]")
Year after year, the core members just knew to meet in that special spot. Located in a Windsor Park parking lot in a park that separated the Robin's street (Westmount Dr.) and the Marcoux's street (Speers Rd.) We brought our sticks & nets, and every year we improved our set up.
We even brought some sweet speakers to play some of our favorite songs, until the police shut that down. I believe it was around 2:30am on the 17th annual. The police officers were great about it, and even encouraged us to continue the tradition (minus the music of course).
Our little tradition grew as the word got out. Sometimes we even had to make 3 teams and play a 'King's Court' style of game. Of course, those were on the warmer Christmases. Only the hard-core traditionalists show up at -40.
The @winnipegsun even did a story on us. "Midnight Madness: Weather won't stop Midnight Christmas Street Hockey Game". Tessa Vanderhart did a nice little phone interview with @robinhoodnorth showcasing our Christmas Tradition... and how cold it could get.
However, 2012 wasn't the coldest game in our history. 2017 it dropped to -28.4 with a windchill of -40 
. Last year, @robsobs helped up retrieve the weather stats dating back to year 1 of our tradition. We played in all types of weather: cold, warm, rain, blizzards, you name it.
. Last year, @robsobs helped up retrieve the weather stats dating back to year 1 of our tradition. We played in all types of weather: cold, warm, rain, blizzards, you name it.
Unfortunately, due to Covid19, like most things, the 23rd annual midnight street hockey game is postponed. We were hoping to be playing tonight but we are not. It is the first time since 1998 that we won't be gathering in Windsor Park to play street hockey. 
Looking back to last year, 2019 was an amazing night. A great crew came out to play, including our childhood friends, the Lemay family. The weather was also perfect, and we played until 3am. 
It is sad that we won't be there tonight. But risking any of our family and friends is 100% not worth it. This Christmas/Boxing Day, we will #StayHome 
...Let's take tonight to appreciate the last 22 years. Here are a few more random pictures.
...Let's take tonight to appreciate the last 22 years. Here are a few more random pictures.
We won't let this pandemic kill our Christmas Tradition. You can bet that on December 26th 2021 at 00:00 AM, the Robin/Marcoux families and friends will be dropping the ball to continue the midnight game. Merry Christmas
