Bob Probert Ride ends after 10 year run.

In spite of the fact that it has been over a decade since he left us, you would be hard pressed to find a long time hockey fan that doesn't immediately smile in response to the name Bob Probert coming up in conversation. The native of Windsor, Ontario left an indelible mark on the National Hockey League and the sport of hockey, but he's also left behind a legacy of a different kind when it comes to his home town of Windsor.

Thanks in large part to his widow, Dani Probert, Bob's name and legacy have been kept alive through an annual tradition known as the Bob Probert Ride. As the name would lead you to believe the event is a motorcycle ride along and one with a good cause attached to it as well, with the Bob Probert Ride raising over $1 million in funds to help support healthcare in Windsor and Essex County. While initially the funds were focused, at the behest of the Probert family, on cardiac care, Bob himself died of a hearth attack in 2010, in recent years that focus has shifted towards mental health and addiction.

The 9th annual Bob Probert Ride attracted 1500 riders back in 2019 but unfortunately the event has been on a hiatus ever since, likely due in large part to the logistical problems that have existed since then, namely the pandemic and the restrictions around it. Unfortunately it has also been announced that this year's event, the 10th annual Bob Probert Ride, will also be the last event organized by the Probert Family.

Dani Probert explained why she made the difficult decision, and it is impossible not to feel for this woman.

"I love the phone calls, I love knocking on the doors meeting people, that's all great, I just feel it's time to end on a high note," said Dani of ending the event. "I would hate for things to fizzle after year 10, and I'm not ready to experience that so I'd rather make the call. The family and I sat around the table and we decided this is the year."

Although I know many hockey fans will be sad to learn that the event is coming to an end, there's no question that Dani and the rest of the Probert family should be commended for the incredible work they have done in honoring Bob's legacy and in helping countless individuals who have benefited from their charitable efforts.

"Bob loved giving back to Windsor-Essex on any capacity, and I'd like to think he's beaming with pride," said Dani.