Holiday time has become book time for me, dating back to the mid 80’s, when a good book would make a quiet day inside just fly by.
This year at Christmas, I re-read Jonathon Jackson’s ” the Making of Slap Shot ” plus went through Bob Probert’s ” Tough Guy- My Life on the Edge. “
I always respected Probert as a player, because at his best, there were very, very few players who had the talent to play that well and scare the tar out of the opposition.
The problem, as every hockey fan knows, is that Probert was seldom at his best, choosing at a young age to be consumed by alcohol, and later, by drugs.
Truthfully, my respect for Probert diminished with each passing page in the book.
Given a million ” second chances “, in sports and in life, Probert was either unable, or unwilling, to alter his ways, and while aware his actions had negative repercussions on family, friends, teammates, fans and those who tried their damndest to help him, he seemingly skated from one stupid episode into another, each scenario getting blacker as he travelled.
I understand Probert was a great guy, in fact at a recent NHL Oldtimers Game here in Owen Sound he was a gracious star attraction.
But sadly, he wrote this book before his death last summer on Lake St Clair, and related he wanted his children to read the truth from him, and not be buried by half truths, rumours and exaggerations.
I don’t doubt Bob Probert’s Family will love him forever, but reading ” Tough Guy “, I can’t imagine that it’s pleasurable reading for his survivors.
I’m Fred Wallace