In a poignant tribute to one of hockey’s most formidable enforcers, Tecumseh’s newest healthcare facility now bears the name of beloved NHL legend Bob Probert. The Bob Probert Health Campus officially opened its doors Thursday, marking a significant milestone for healthcare accessibility in the region while celebrating the legacy of a man who was as impactful off the ice as he was intimidating on it.
“Bob would be absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by this recognition,” said Dani Probert, widow of the former Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks star who passed away in 2010 at age 45. “Healthcare was something deeply personal to our family, and to see his name associated with healing and community support feels incredibly right.”
The state-of-the-art $40 million facility, located at Manning Road and Tecumseh Road East, represents more than four years of planning and construction. It houses an impressive array of healthcare services, including a family health team, diagnostic imaging center, pharmacy, and specialized clinics focused on chronic disease management and mental health support—an aspect that resonates deeply with Probert’s own journey.
During his 16-season NHL career, Probert became known as one of hockey’s most feared enforcers, amassing 3,300 penalty minutes—fifth most in NHL history. Yet behind the tough exterior was a man who battled his own health challenges, including substance abuse issues that he worked tirelessly to overcome.
“This campus stands as a reminder that strength comes in many forms,” noted Dr. Miranda Williams, medical director for the new facility. “Bob Probert showed incredible resilience throughout his life, and that spirit of perseverance is exactly what we hope to foster in patients who come through these doors seeking help.”
The 60,000-square-foot facility addresses a critical need in the Tecumseh community, which has historically faced challenges accessing comprehensive healthcare services without traveling to Windsor. Local officials estimate the campus will serve approximately 30,000 residents annually and create over 100 healthcare jobs.
Essex County Warden Gary McNamara emphasized the significance of the project beyond its namesake: “While Bob’s name brings recognition, what matters most is how this facility transforms healthcare delivery for our residents. Having diagnostic, preventative, and treatment services under one roof will revolutionize patient care in our region.”
The campus design incorporates subtle nods to Probert’s hockey career, including a memorial wall featuring his iconic #24 jersey and quotes about determination and recovery. The rehabilitation wing, aptly named “Probert’s Comeback Center,” specializes in sports medicine and recovery services.
For Tecumseh resident James Morrison, who attended the opening ceremony, the connection is deeply personal. “I watched Probert play my entire childhood. He wasn’t perfect, and he faced his demons publicly, which makes this so meaningful. This place isn’t just about celebrating a hockey player—it’s about recognizing that health struggles, whether physical or mental, are part of the human experience.”
The facility opening coincides with the publication of a new community health assessment indicating that eastern Essex County has seen a 34% increase in demand for mental health services over the past five years—making the campus’s comprehensive approach particularly timely.
As ribbon-cutting ceremonies concluded and the doors officially opened to patients, Dani Probert reflected on her husband’s complicated legacy: “Bob understood pain, both giving and receiving it. But he also understood healing and second chances. What better tribute than a place dedicated to helping others find their path to wellness?”
As this new healthcare hub begins serving the Tecumseh community, one question remains: How might our understanding of professional athletes’ health challenges help reshape our approach to community wellness and destigmatize the pursuit of comprehensive care?
