Hockeytown still loves Probert

The Windsor Star's Bob Duff nicely captured a nice side story from Tuesday night's Steve Yzerman jersey retirment. The side story - Bob Probert's return to Hockeytown.

The ovation was compelling and passionate.

For Steve Yzerman?

Yeah, his too.

On Tuesday, the night the Detroit Red Wings honoured Yzerman by retiring his No. 19 sweater, the Hockeytown faithful also embraced the return of Windsor's Bob Probert to Joe Louis Arena.

Duff asked about Probert's favorite moments as a Red Wing. Not surprisingly, they revolve around fights.

"One that sticks out and it was a big thing, was when I fought (Belle River's Tie) Domi, our second fight in New York," Probert said.

"He had cut me over the eye in the first fight and did this thing with his hands, like he was wearing the heavyweight championship belt.

After the second fight, when I beat Domi, I looked over at our bench and there was Yzerman, standing on the bench, giving the heavyweight belt sign with his hands.

Probert also reveals how he aided good friend and former Bruise Brother Joe Kocur in his return to the Red Wings and the NHL in 1996.

"Joe was playing in an over-30 league (in 1996) and looking to get back into the NHL," Probert said. "He knew that the Wings were looking for toughness. (Chicago) was in town to play Detroit and he came down to see me the morning of the game. 'You've got to get into it tonight and help me out,'" he told me.

"That night, I speared (Jamie) Pushor and fought (Brendan) Shanahan and the next day, Joe got a call from the Red Wings."

Kocur won two Stanley Cups after his return to Hockeytown.

"He still thanks me for that," Probert said.

Of course, Probert is also remembered for his off ice problems, namely substance abuse. These days he's keeping busy by keeping hockey in his life. He plays in many charity alumni games and teaches at hockey schools, though he still has trouble crossing international borders due to his past.

"I'm living life," he said. "I'm busy, but I'm having a lot of fun."