Blackhawks Confidential

Ex-Hawk Bob Probert dead at age 45

Mark Kiley on 07.05.10 at 10:26 PM | 6 comments |

Former Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings enforcer Bob Probert has died at the age of 45. Probert passed away from an apparent heart attack while on a boat on Lake St. Clair in Windsor, Ontario. He is survived by a wife and four children.

Probert played for the Hawks from 1995-2002 after a productive career in Detroit. He is fifth on the NHL all-time list with 3,300 penalty minutes. The enforcer spent 1,210 minutes in the box as a Blackhawk while contributing 49 goals and 125 points in his seven seasons in Chicago.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Probert family during this difficult time," Blackhawks president John McDonough said in a statement. "Bob will always be a member of the Blackhawks family and his memory will live on through our fans."

Probert, who overcame alcohol and substance abuse problems early in his career, will be remembered most for his on-ice battles. Acording to hockeyfights.com, the enforcer participated in 233 fights over his 16-year career.

The Blackhawks honored Probie in 2009 with a Bob Probert Heritage Night and he also dropped the ceremonial puck before Game 4 of the 2009 Western Conference Final between Chicago and Detroit.

I never had the opportunity to meet Probert, but all accounts are that he was a hell of a guy. He certainly had his demons, but hockey fans grew fond of Probert's endearing qualities. He was the type of player fans couldn't help but cheer.

It's a sad day for hockey. Probert will be missed, but he'll never be forgotten.

Published in Bob Probert and tagged blackhawks, bob probert, hawks, john mcdonough, red wings

OneTeam said:

R.I.P Bobby!

Posted on July 6, 2010 12:30 AM

Jerry Kayne said:

Very sad.

I've had a mini-tribute to Probie on one of my my websites for a while. A few select fights from YouTube vs. Marty McSorley, Shanny as a Devil, Stu Grimson, Tie Domi, & Nyland. http://www.hockeyplayland.com/great_hockey_fights_bob_probert.html. Enjoy and remember why you were a fan of Bob Probert.

Posted on July 6, 2010 8:33 AM

Jerry Kayne said:

The last post messed up the link. It's

http://www.hockeyplayland.com/great_hockey_fights_bob_probert.html

Posted on July 6, 2010 8:34 AM

OneTeam said:

I remember when they sold Probert v Troy Crowder fight T-shirts outside The Joe during the days of that trilogy. Cote/Probert was probably one of the best hockey fights of all times! BOTH teams and coaches were bangin sticks when that one finally ended. Lastly, when McGuiere tried to beat up Yzerman...Probert REALLY showed what was what when it came to his loyalty and roll as an enforcer. Youtube either Yzerman McGuiere fight or Probert gone mad. I remember that Probert was already being taken to the box when McGuiere jumped Stevie...Probert broke free of the penalty box and stalked his prey like an animal. Tom Barrasso (Sp?) got in his way and Bob (with no time for him) gave Tom two belts to the head and told him to get outta the way.....Barrasso did so wisely!! Haha!

Posted on July 7, 2010 12:40 AM

Jackie Tithof Steere said: