Bob Probert

For those who have not heard, this afternoon former Detroit Red Wings forward Bob Probert passed away of an apparent heart attack at the age of 45.

Comments from teammates, coaches and players have been pouring in, a testament to the impact Probert had on the game and the type of person he was off the ice.

"He was one of your ultimate team guys," Clark said. "That's why he played and lasted as a tough guy for so many years. He was a teammate, a competitor. Everybody off the ice loved Bobby. That's what made his career what it was - because of the team person that he was."

Those sentiments were echoed by several NHL personalities who encountered Probert over the years.

“This is a very sad day for Red Wings fans as we have lost one of the toughest players, best power forwards and all-around great guys who ever wore the Winged Wheel.'' former Red Wing and teammate Joe Kocur said in a statement. ''My favorite memory of Bob would be sitting down before a game, going over the opposing lineup and picking and choosing who would go first and if the goalie would be safe or not. It was great to be able to go out on the ice knowing that he had my back and I had his. He was like the brother I never had."

I remember the epic battles with Domi, McSorley, Coxe and Clark just to name a few. I also remember that he was more than just a fighter. In his 16 seasons in the NHL, he scored 20 or more goals twice and even made an appearance in an All-Star game.

Many of today's enforcers don't have the broad 'utility-type' talent that Probert had.

This is probably the best Probert card I have in my collection...

2006/07 Parkhurst
#101 Bob Probert autograph

I picked it up at the big show here a couple months back. It was more of a 'throw-in' at the time as I liked the Parkhurst autos from that year.

I heard that a lot of his auto cards are going quick on ebay. That leaves me feeling odd.

One other thing leaves me feeling odd. I just finished writing an article for a trade magazine about a 'super-collector' whose collection revolves around enforcers. Probert is at the top of his list and the bulk of the interview revolves around him. I took a look at it this evening and the article reads so differently to me now.

In closing, I'd like to take a moment to think about the family Bob Probert has left behind, and to remember the good times he gave a lot of hockey fans. He will definitely be remembered not just by my generation, but by future generations.

Here's a glimpse of one of his most memorable tilts. Keep an eye out for the respect paid ny both at the end of the fight. That's what's missing in the league these days.