By: Kevin Kinch
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9139848
The story of Bob Probert has just been released in a documentary aptly named “Tough Guy: The Bob Probert Story“. This film builds up the legend of Bob Probert; one of the most violent men in the history of professional sports, and about halfway through changes focus to the loss of a husband and a father who dealt with drug and alcohol dependency for over a decade.
By profession Probert was an enforcer, a paid protector for those not as big or tough as himself, a role he clearly loved. It’s obvious Probert made the game incredibly entertaining and more savage than the NHL of today. If you enjoy boxing, MMA, etc. you will love the first half of this film. The hockey fights are some of the best in history and include some really great insight from the likes of Tie Domi and Don Cherry.
It was well known that Probert had addiction issues, and his rehab stats are just as outstanding as his game stats. He entered rehab in his rookie year,and continued the pattern every few years until he retired, after which he became addicted to pain pills. Although me made numerous attempts to do so, Probert struggled with getting off the path of binge drinking, partying, drugs, and living above the law. The film shares how he abused his fame several times by driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and forcing the hand of the law whom understandably were all Detroit Red Wings fans. The film also briefly touches on the subject of head injuries in professional sports and illustrates how taboo it is for these legendary bruisers to speak about today.
Probert, who passed away on July 5, 2010 due to a heart attack, struggled with his demons, but was also a loving father, an avid biker and a teammate any hockey player would love to have on their side.
The film features: Bob Probert, Dani Probert, Joe Kocur, Tie Domi, Don Cherry, Jeremy Roenick, Chris Chelios, Stu Grimson, Sheldon Kennedy, Troy Crowder, Steve Yzerman, Tony Twist, Ptr Klima, and Marty McSorely.
Tough Guy: The Bob Probert Story is from filmmaker Geordie Day. Dani Probert is Executive Producer. It’s Day’s second hockey film, he co-directed Goalie, a film on former NHL goaltender Clint Malarchuk. This year, he produced Charles Manson: Final Words, which contained the last ever recorded interviews with Manson.
Tough Guy: The Bob Probert Story aired on Super Channel in Canada December 14th with a U.S release expected next year.
When To Watch (Canada)
Dec 29 @ 11:30AM On Fuse
Jan 02 @ 9:30AM On Fuse
Jan 03 @ 2:50AM On Fuse
Jan 14 @ 8:00AM On Fuse
Jan 14 @ 5:15PM On Fuse
Jan 15 @ 4:30AM On Fuse
Jan 26 @ 7:30AM On Fuse
Jan 26 @ 12:45PM On Fuse