Probert Likely Suffered From CTE

Boston University researchers say NHL enforcer Bob Probert was suffereing from a degenerative brain disease at the time of his death.

The Sports Legacy Institute is saying that analysis of Probert's donated brain revealed that he had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy ((CTE)).

Probert died back in July of heart failure at age 45 or 46- reports vary on his age. He played 16 seasons in the NHL mainly with Chicago and Detroit. His 3,300 penalty minutes rank fifth on the league's career list.

He was known for a lot of this...
((HT: NHL/youtube))


Probert is the second hockey player from the program at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy to be diagnosed with the disease after death. Reggie Fleming, a 1960s enforcer who played before helmets became mandatory, also had CTE.

More when we know more...

A Final Good-Bye To Bob Probert

((HT: WXYZ-TV Detroit))

More than 50 motorcycles led a procession to Windsor Christian Fellowship, in Ontario, where hundreds of mourners gathered to honor Bob Probert- teammates, friends, on-ice foes, NHL dignitaries, and just normal people wanting to say good-bye.

Probert's casket was transported on a sidecar attached to a motorcycle.

He died on his boat Monday after having chest pains and, eventually, a heart attack on Lake St. Clair.

Probert was 45 years old.

Here's Tom Leyden with the procession from Windsor, Ontario...

BREAKING NEWS: Bob Probert Pronounced Dead At 45

((HT: FAN590/Toronto))

Reports out of Windsor, Ontario are that former NHL enforcer Bob Probert has been pronounced dead after collapsing on a boat earlier Monday on Lake St. Clair in the province. He was complaining of chest pains on his boat when he collapsed.

Probert's death has been confirmed by the Ontario Provincial Police. Dan Parkinson, Probert's father-in-law and a police officer himself as well as emergency crews attempted CPR on Probert. He was eventually transported to Windsor Regional Hospital, where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Probert picked up 3,300 penalty minutes in his 16 season in the NHL with the Red Wings and Blackhawks- almost eight times the number of total points in his career.

Here's some of Probert's greatest hits- as it were...
Against Tie Domi...
((HT: NHL/hockeybooks))


Kevin McGran of the Star newspaper in Toronto caught up with Wendel Clark among others here...

Here's TSN's first story on the pasing, Kate Beirness sits at the adult table...
((HT: TSN/NHL/Fel0096))