Rangers Derrek Boogaard Found Dead

Added on May 14, 2011 by J Merrill in

NHL

Rangers Derrek Boogaard was found dead at his apartment in Minneapolis Minnesota on Friday night. The team made the announcement that the 28 year old was found by dead by his family, but did not give any details. Boogaard signed a 4 year deal worth more then 6 million dollars in July with the New York Rangers, but he only appeared with them in 22 games this past season. Boogaard was known as brawler on the ice, and the enforcer missed 52 games with a concussion and a shoulder injury.

General Manager and President of the Rangers Glen Sather told the media, and spoke highly of his fallen player. He said “Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual. 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.”

In 277 regular-season games with Minnesota and the Rangers over six seasons, he had three goals and 13 assists and 589 penalty minutes. Boogaard was also very active with quite a few Military charities. He supported Defending the Blue Line Foundation, which is a non-profit charitable foundation that aims to help children of military members play hockey. He also started “Boogaard’s Booguardians” which hosts military members and their families at Rangers home game in Madison Square Garden, and was a part of the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

Boogaard played with the Minnesota Wild for 5 seasons before signing with New York. The Wild just released a statement explaining how missed Boogaard will be. “The Minnesota Wild organization sends our deepest sympathies to the family of Derek Boogaard. Derek was a fan favorite during his five seasons with the Wild and will be greatly missed here in Minnesota and throughout the NHL. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Boogaard family during this tragic time of loss.”

The National Hockey Leagues Player Association (NHLPA) also released a statement about Boogaard. The statement read “The NHLPA is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Derek Boogaard. Derek was a well-liked and respected member of the NHLPA, and his passing is a great loss to the entire hockey community. Our sincere condolences to Derek’s many friends and family during this difficult time.”