Photo: Each year, the Ride that has enjoyed as many as 1,200 participants, is led by an honorary Road Captain close to the family, this year that is Dave Hutchison. Front row Theresa (Mother) Probert and Dave Hutchison, back row (L-R) Brogan, Declyn, Tierney and Dani Probert. Photo by Rod Denis – Biz X magazine
The Tradition Continues as 2017 Probert Ride Kicks-Off 7th Year
Presenting sponsors UNIFOR Local 444 and 2458, HDGH staff, friends and the family of Bob Probert gathered Wednesday morning at Thunder Road Harley Davidson to officially kick-off the 2017 Probert Ride set to take place Sunday, June 25th, 2017.
Each year, the Ride that has enjoyed as many as 1,200 participants, is led by a honouary road captain close to the family. This year, the group of enthusiastic bikers all paying tribute to ‘Big Bob’ and supporting Cardiac Wellness will be headed by Dave Hutchison, the former rugged defenseman who got to know Probert during their overseas tours visiting Canadian Troops in Afghanistan as NHL Alumni. Over his 681 professional game career, Hutchison played for the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks and New Jersey Devils.
“It’s an honour to be leading the pack this year as Ride Captain,” said Hutchison. “I haven’t missed a Probert ride yet. In fact, Bob and I rode together in Ride For Dad in London a couple of times. Our friendship was based on doing fundraising events through the NHL and the riding community. So whether it was ball hockey with the troops or riding our bikes, Bob had a big heart and always wanted to give back.”
To date, the Bob Probert Ride has raised an impressive $647, 218.24 for cardiac programs and services at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. These funds contributed to the brand-new Rehabilitation and Wellness Centre on its Prince Road campus. Today, talks have begun to expand cardiac rehab services to county residents with the development of a satellite location planned for the east end.
The 2017 Probert Ride includes stops at the Fort, Colchester Bar and Grill, Wolfhead Distillery and returns to the final stop at the Caboto Club where riders and their passengers will be able to enjoy and purchase refreshments and food. Registration and online donations are now open being accepted online.
Returning for a 4th year, The Probert Classic taking place Friday, June 2nd at Tecumseh Arena will once again bring NHL, OHL and AHL players together for the charity game. Tickets for the event organized by Probert’s daughter Tierney are just $10, with kids under 10 free. All proceeds go to support the 2017 Probert Ride. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Puck drop is 7pm with players including Dylan Larkin, Danny Dekeyser, Aaron Ekblad, Darian Hatcher, Zack Kassian and more.