Bob Probert Remembered by Hockey Players, Family at Funeral

Steve Yzerman once famously celebrated Bob Probert's victory in a fight in 1992 by mimicking Tie Domi with a heavyweight belt gesture from the bench.

On Friday, Yzerman eulogized his former teammate during a funeral service at Windsor Christian Fellowship with Domi and hundreds of other former teammates, opponents, coaches, family, friends and fans in attendance.

Probert, who played for Detroit in 1985-94 and the Chicago Blackhawks from 1995-2002, died Monday while boating on Lake St. Clair. He was 45.

"On top of his fine play, he made the game fun," Yzerman said of Probert. "Whether it was stopping in the middle of a fight to adjust his helmet and give Gerard (Gallant) and I a wink to let us know everything was OK, or card games till the wee hours of the morning the night before a playoff game, which I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. (Ilitch) don't care to hear about.

"So much fun on and off the ice ... he left an incredible mark on all of us."

Probert was considered one of the NHL's toughest players and feared fighters during his prime. His children displayed their own toughness by sharing memories of their father at the service.

"On July 5, my life changed forever," said oldest daughter Tierney. "My father was called to heaven. As we all may know, heaven will never be the same. From his hysterical duck calls to making up crazy songs for his precious 6-pound puppy, to his love for anything with a motor, he embraced life to the fullest."

Daughter Brogan left most in attendance teary-eyed when she noted her father won't be there to teach her to drive, celebrate her 16th birthday or walk her down the aisle.

"My Daddy was a great dad, he always was, and he always will be," she said. "I will always love my Daddy. He will forever be in my heart, and I'll always be his little girl."