7th annual Bob Probert ride to help build expanded cardiac facility

Funds raised by the 7th annual Bob Probert motorcycle ride will be used to build a new expansion for a remote cardiac facility in Essex County.

The ride honours the NHL player who died of a heart attack while boating on Lake St. Clair, and has raised almost $650,000 for different cardiovascular hospital programs in the area since its start.

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"This event has changed the landscape of cardiac health in Windsor," said Bill Marra, Vice President of External Government Relations at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.  

Funds raised in 2017 will be used for a satellite location of the cardiac rehab centre in the Tecumseh and Lakeshore area. According to Marra, the plans for the site are still in the works and haven't been formally approved.

"For my kids, it's about constantly honouring Bob, and finding something positive in such a tragedy. Knowing we're giving back to the community and helping out...we're a part of that, and proud of it," said Probert's wife Dani. 

Dani added the event has been something positive for her family to focus on, and helping the community is something Bob would have wanted. 

During a media event Wednesday, ride officials announced this year's celebrity road captain will be Dave Hutchison, who played hockey with Probert. 

"This will be my 7th year riding in this event, and I feel privileged to be leading it this year," Hutchison said. 

The Ride, which is a scenic tour of Windsor and Essex County, will take place on June 25. 

This year's stops include the Fort, Colchester Bar and Grill, Wolfhead Distillery with a final stop at the Caboto Club.