Former enforcer Bob Probert dead at 45

DETROIT (Reuters) - Former NHL enforcer Bob Probert collapsed and died on Monday during a family boating trip in Windsor, Ontario, the league reported on its website. He was 45.

Known as one of the most feared fighters in the NHL, the Canadian enjoyed a 17-year playing career with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. He ranks fifth on the league's all-time list for total penalty minutes.

Red Wings owners Mike and Marian Ilitch released the following statement: "Bob was one of the toughest men to ever play in the NHL. He also was one of the kindest, most colorful, and beloved players Detroit has ever known.

"We are very saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family."

Probert was drafted by Detroit in 1983 and went on to be voted to the Campbell Conference All-Star team in 1988, his only such honor.

However, Probert's unpredictable nature led to many problems off the ice and he was suspended for several months by the NHL in 1989 after he was arrested for cocaine possession at the U.S.-Canada border.

Probert left the Red Wings to sign with the Blackhawks in 1994, where he played out the rest of his career before officially retiring in 2002.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)