Bob Probert and Troy Crowder’s epic rematch is one of the most memorable moments in hockey history, embodying the raw intensity of old-school hockey. Their first fight was a clash of titans, with Crowder surprising everyone by getting the upper hand on the legendary enforcer Probert. Naturally, when the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils met again just weeks later, anticipation was sky-high.
Don Cherry, a man synonymous with old-school hockey, drove down from Toronto to Detroit to witness the spectacle firsthand. Before the game, he ran into the referees, who were well aware of the hype surrounding the upcoming fight. With a mix of humor and resignation, they told Cherry, “We know it’s going to happen, but let’s just hope it doesn’t break out in warm-ups!” Their lighthearted remark captured the essence of hockey in that era—where fights weren’t just tolerated but embraced as part of the game’s culture.
When the gloves inevitably dropped, the arena erupted, and Probert and Crowder delivered a brawl for the ages. It was a defining moment of toughness, respect, and the sheer spectacle that made fans fall in love with hockey’s gritty side. Old-school hockey at its absolute finest!
