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| Former Wild Enforcer Derek Boogaard |
Update: Autopsy for Derek Boogaard to be completed Saturday in Minneapolis.
Update: Late night vigil, outside Minnesota's Exel Energy Center, a repatriated success. Many family members, including Derek's brother Ryan Boogaard, teammates and friends were in attendance. Former Wild teammates Niklas Backstrom, Brent Burns, Andrew Brunette, Stephane Veilleux and Nick Shultz were all there for the event.
Minneapolis, MN - Rangers W Derek Boogaard was found dead at the age of 28 in his Minneapolis apartment.
Boogaard, a long time fan favorite of the Minnesota Wild faithful, played 5 full seasons with the Wild before signing a more lucrative contract with the New York Rangers just prior to last season to help defend another former Wild star, Marion Gaborik. Although Boogaard, or the Boogeyman as many of his fans called him, was hardly a prolific scorer (he actually scored his first goal since 2005-06 this season) he had immense value both as a fan favorite and as one of the leagues most feared enforcers. Simply put, when Boogaard was on a team, opponents didn't mess with his teammates. If they did, they paid for it. He is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the NHL in recent history, and at 6'7'', 265, he has a size, reach and strength advantage over just about every player. A good coach knew that using Boogy at the right time could electrify the team and the fans. For evidence, look no further than than the first video I will post below. (For context, there was a scuffle and some cheap shots. Boogaard is on the bench and the Wild fans begin to chant for Boogaard. In the end, Coach Lemaire sends him out to skate around quick, and the stadium erupts, as Boogaard shoots a glare to the Ducks bench).
But beyond his on ice value, Derek Boogaard was a good man. I only had the honor of meeting him twice, but both times were memorable occasions. Each time I ran into him, regardless of where, Derek would make sure to take some time to talk to my friends and I. He was surprisingly easy to talk to, and even joked about the upcoming game from time to time. In no way was he your stereotypical, arrogant, hockey guy, but rather a caring, down to earth, 'kind of guy you want to just go get a beer with'.
Derek was an unbelievable person, who will remain forever in the hearts and memories for Wild fans, Ranger Fans and Hockey fans around the world. Rest In Peace, Derek.
And as a tribute to the Boogeyman, here's a montage of Boogaard fights I found online. Enjoy.
Boogaard, a long time fan favorite of the Minnesota Wild faithful, played 5 full seasons with the Wild before signing a more lucrative contract with the New York Rangers just prior to last season to help defend another former Wild star, Marion Gaborik. Although Boogaard, or the Boogeyman as many of his fans called him, was hardly a prolific scorer (he actually scored his first goal since 2005-06 this season) he had immense value both as a fan favorite and as one of the leagues most feared enforcers. Simply put, when Boogaard was on a team, opponents didn't mess with his teammates. If they did, they paid for it. He is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the NHL in recent history, and at 6'7'', 265, he has a size, reach and strength advantage over just about every player. A good coach knew that using Boogy at the right time could electrify the team and the fans. For evidence, look no further than than the first video I will post below. (For context, there was a scuffle and some cheap shots. Boogaard is on the bench and the Wild fans begin to chant for Boogaard. In the end, Coach Lemaire sends him out to skate around quick, and the stadium erupts, as Boogaard shoots a glare to the Ducks bench).
But beyond his on ice value, Derek Boogaard was a good man. I only had the honor of meeting him twice, but both times were memorable occasions. Each time I ran into him, regardless of where, Derek would make sure to take some time to talk to my friends and I. He was surprisingly easy to talk to, and even joked about the upcoming game from time to time. In no way was he your stereotypical, arrogant, hockey guy, but rather a caring, down to earth, 'kind of guy you want to just go get a beer with'.
Derek was an unbelievable person, who will remain forever in the hearts and memories for Wild fans, Ranger Fans and Hockey fans around the world. Rest In Peace, Derek.
And as a tribute to the Boogeyman, here's a montage of Boogaard fights I found online. Enjoy.
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