REPORT: DEREK BOOGAARD FOUND DEAD

Wanye
May 13 2011 08:44PM

Word out of New York tonight is that Rangers Forward Derek Boogaard has passed away suddenly.

New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard was found dead in his apartment. That's according to the Minneapolis Star Trbune's Michael Russo.

Russo reported the news of Boogard's passing on Twitter on just after 8 PM MST Friday night:

"@Russostrib: Awful news: Derek Boogaard was found dead today in his Minneapolis apartment by members of his family. He was 28. #mnwild #nyrangers"

Russo said the 28-year-old was found dead in his apartment by his family.

Regarded by many in the NHL as one of the premiere heavyweights in the game Boogard just finished his sixth season in the NHL, his first in New York with the Rangers. Prior to that, he had spent five NHL seasons with the Minnesota Wild.

A release from the NY Rangers has since confirmed the news:

"The New York Rangers are very saddened to announce the passing of Derek Boogaard. Derek Boogaard is shown in this photo after he scored an unforgettable goal for the Rangers against Washington on Nov. 9, 2010, at MSG.

“Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual,” said New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather. “He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

Boogaard began his NHL career with Minnesota and appeared in 255 career games with the Wild from 2005-06 – 2009-10. He joined the New York Rangers on July 1, 2010, appearing in 22 games in the 2010-11 season. Throughout his career, Boogaard sought to make a difference in the communities he played in, taking part in numerous charitable endeavors.

Boogaard was a supporter of the Defending the Blue Line Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation whose mission is to ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the great sport of hockey. While with the Rangers, he created “Boogaard’s Booguardians,” hosting military members and their families at all New York Ranger home games.

In addition, he made multiple appearances with partner organizations of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the non-profit charity that works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden, including the New York Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and Fuse “to make dreams come true for kids facing obstacles”.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native was originally Minnesota’s seventh round choice, 202nd overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft."

A string on HFboards discussing Boogaard's passing can be seen here.

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Sort comments by date

Reply #1 cableguy - 2nd Tier Fan May 14 2011, 08:37AM

+1 2 props

madjam wrote:

Was told at airport one day by a source two years ago how rampant roids , etc. were among the fighters in the NHL . He had fought most of them . He eventually choose a business career over taking roids to remain in NHL . A young man crippled by athritis at such a young age , but at least a successfull businessman . Maybe his story had more credence than i suspected or gave him credit for at the time . Tough decisions when your stuck with roids and an NHL big dollar career, or remain in lesser league or new career . Perhaps thats also why some players refuse to go to international competitions after season,etc. ? Why jeopardize a career on international level with much strickter drug testing policies ? Not saying thats the case , but it does make you wonder none the less . Is the level ice field turning toward a roid problem in NHL ?
Sad indeed , if Boogaard another young disaster among NHL heavyweights .

get off your f-ing soapbox and show a little respect. when/if details are known you can bestow your wisdom then.

Reply #2 Smitty May 14 2011, 09:57AM

+1 1 props

Brutal. Very sad, indeed.

I guess he and Bobby Probert are throwing them down in the big rink in the sky...

Reply #3 mayorpoop May 13 2011, 08:47PM

+1 0 props

thoughts to his family...sad stuff..rip.

Reply #4 Robster May 13 2011, 08:48PM

+1 0 props

Wow....shocking. RIP boogyman

Reply #5 Oilers G - that Haiku writing MotherF^%$er May 13 2011, 08:49PM

+1 0 props

sad to hear about the Boogey Man.

Reply #6 Mantastic May 13 2011, 08:51PM

+1 0 props

wow, that's horrible news. r.i.p.

Reply #7 Lowetide May 13 2011, 08:57PM

+1 0 props

Well that's just horrible news. RIP.

Reply #8 the yak May 13 2011, 08:58PM

+1 0 props

Shocking and upsetting. Boogey was very "Tie Domi-ish" with his charitable work with children in the communities he lived in. Sad Sad news.

Reply #9 rusportsfan2 May 13 2011, 09:01PM

+1 0 props

I'm shocked hearing this news

Reply #10 K-UGER Industrial Smoothing May 13 2011, 09:03PM

+1 0 props

horrible news. its going to take a few extra pallbearers to get him to his final resting spot with that big frame of his.

RIP

Reply #11 D May 13 2011, 09:35PM

+1 0 props

Shocking news. RIP big guy.

Reply #12 Wes Mantooth May 13 2011, 09:56PM

+1 0 props

Wow, sad indeed. RIP

Reply #13 Mr. Pederson May 13 2011, 10:38PM

+1 0 props

Reply #14 Jodes May 13 2011, 10:54PM

+1 0 props

Wow..

Reply #15 Team Hall May 13 2011, 11:20PM

+1 0 props

Although a boogey man on the ice, sounded like a very good guy off it. Very sad news.

Reply #16 Archaeologuy May 13 2011, 11:20PM

+1 0 props

Very sad

Reply #17 m@s f@s May 14 2011, 12:04AM

+1 0 props

R.I.P. Another drink for the Big Bad (Good) Boogyman...

Reply #18 Todd May 14 2011, 01:05AM

+1 0 props

R.I.P Boogey man.

Reply #19 Sheldon "Oilers Fan for Life!!!" May 14 2011, 01:22AM

+1 0 props

Sad or What! I am sure the family is devastated. RIP. I will add them to my prayer list.

Reply #20 cowboykid May 14 2011, 01:55AM

+1 0 props

RIP boogy man. Was a great heavyweight in the league. thoughts are with his family :(

Reply #21 Wäx Män Riley May 14 2011, 03:23AM

+1 0 props

Wow... 28 years old.

Everything going out to the family. If I could give the family a million props I would. All of our thoughts are with you.

Reply #22 hemi May 14 2011, 07:20AM

+1 0 props

At 28..........sad day indeed. Thoughts to his family.

Reply #23 Oilcruzer May 14 2011, 07:38AM

+1 0 props

Yes indeed. Far too early. Laraque was talking about training plans with him 2 days ago.

Reply #24 madjam May 14 2011, 08:11AM

+1 0 props

Was told at airport one day by a source two years ago how rampant roids , etc. were among the fighters in the NHL . He had fought most of them . He eventually choose a business career over taking roids to remain in NHL . A young man crippled by athritis at such a young age , but at least a successfull businessman . Maybe his story had more credence than i suspected or gave him credit for at the time . Tough decisions when your stuck with roids and an NHL big dollar career, or remain in lesser league or new career . Perhaps thats also why some players refuse to go to international competitions after season,etc. ? Why jeopardize a career on international level with much strickter drug testing policies ? Not saying thats the case , but it does make you wonder none the less . Is the level ice field turning toward a roid problem in NHL ?

Sad indeed , if Boogaard another young disaster among NHL heavyweights .