Lighting’s Yzerman to give eulogy for Bob Probert

Posted Jul 9, 2010 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Jul 9, 2010 at 11:17 AM

Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman delivered the eulogy for former Detroit Red Wings’ teammate Bob Probert on Friday, four days after Probert passed away at the age of 45 from an apparent heart attack while boating with his family outside of Windsor, Ont.

Yzerman and Probert were teammates and often linemates with Detroit from 1985-1994 before Probert left as a free agent to Chicago. Considered one of the toughest fighters of all-time, Probert also combined that with a soft pair of hands around the net scoring 163 goals in 995 career NHL games, reaching a career high of 29 in 1987-88. Although known for his tough-guy role, amassing 3,300 penalty minutes, Probert had a much different demeanor off the ice according to his teammates and friends despite fighting alcohol problems throughout most of his life.

“Very sad to get that news today,’’ Yzerman said when word of Probert’s passing broke on Monday. “He was a really good guy, despite begin a rugged hockey player he was a really kind-hearted guy. He was always upbeat, always happy, always had something nice to say and take time to say hello to your wife and kids. He always had a joke and made everyone feel at ease. He was just a good-hearted person.’‘