Since his passing yesterday, a lot has been said and written about Bob Probert. You've heard about his personal demons...some of which I encountered personally when working with him on Blackhawk radio broadcasts. They have been covered. I'm going to talk about Bob Probert, the hockey player.
Growing up as a Hawk fan, I hated the Red Wings. When I saw Bob Probert skating with that Winged Wheel on his chest, it was frightening. Which of my favorite Hawks' would get pummeled tonight?
I always loved watching him play. He embodied what I love about hockey. He wasn't simply a goon in an era
of hockey that welcomed players like that. He was a hockey player...and a damn good one. How many goons could be Steve Yzerman's line mate? Probert could.
When the Hawks announced they signed him, I was ecstatic. I immediately ordered an authentic Bob Probert jersey from my local jersey store. I loved watching him, and wore the jersey with pride. Thirteen years later, I would escort my bride into our wedding reception in the same jersey.
I have a lot of great memories of Probie as a Blackhawk. Since he was so respected as a fighter, any young hockey player called up to be an "enforcer" wanted a shot at the champ. Night after night the young guns would challenge him, and night after night he'd accept.
More than once, a young enforcer would be bloodied and battered, only to get up smiling, thrilled to be pummeled by their hero.
Every fight was like a mini boxing match. He was so patient, and he knew you had to "take one to land one." He would wait out his opponent until the time was right, then WHAM, Probert would take over. He was an artistic hockey fighter. I've never seen a better fighter, and I doubt I ever will again.
Filed under: Blackhawks, Bob Probert
Tags: blackhawks, bob probert, chicago blackhawks
I left much of this message elsewhere, but as a Bob fan myself--I wanted to thank you for the article and appreciate the fact that its time to leave the fuckin "Bob had his demons" shit alone! You nailed it when you wrote: How many goons could be Steve Yzerman's line mate?
My two cents: I grew up in Michigan and have been in attendance for MANY a Bobby fight night. (Crowder nights were my favorites) But being a Wings fan and watching every game in the season, it was clear to see that Bob's impact on the fans, teammates and the game went way beyond just his fists. He kept the game honest when he played. Today, we all bitch and moan about the problem with consistant officiating, when Bob played, he knew how to fix that... If you were gonna try to get away with a cheap shot or be an aggitator, you better be damn sure about it because Bob was gonna officiate you if the ref's didnt. Players respected that fact and thought twice before blindsiding another teams stud or not controlling their sticks. Without even having to drop the gloves, Bob's promise to do so kept everyone in line and the outcomes to the game controlled by the players and not the three blind mice!
Rest in peace Probie!