Around The NHL: Boogaards’ Cause Of Death Released, Thrashers To Winnipeg?, Bergeron Doing Fine

Added on May 20, 2011 by J Merrill in

NHL

Derek Boogaard’s Cause Of Death Released

New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard’s cause of death was released today by the Hennepin County (Minn.) Medical Examiner’s office. The official cause of death is being listed as an accidental overdose with a mixture of Oxycodone and Alcohol. Oxycodne is a very strong painkiller given to patients with serious injuries.

We have come to find that this was something Boogaard has been dealing with for a while as player in the NHL, and according to his family and friends he had been making real steps in the right direction to overcome his addiction. In a statement released by the family, through the NHL Players association, and below you can read it in its entirety:

“We would like to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support for our family during this difficult period as we grieve the loss of Derek — our son and brother. We are deeply saddened by this unimaginable loss, but we are grateful for the expression of support that has given us strength as we go through this tragic time.

“It is very comforting for our family to know that, while Derek’s life was far too short, he had a great impact on many people who he came into contact with. We are proud that Derek was able to live his boyhood dream to play in the National Hockey League. We are even more proud of the fact that Derek was dedicated to making a difference in his adopted communities of Minnesota and New York City, through his countless hours of charitable work.

“Earlier today, we received the results of Derek’s toxicology report at the time of his accidental death. After repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation and with the full support of the New York Rangers, the NHLPA, and the NHL, Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent. While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates, and his community work was unstoppable.

“Our family would like to like to thank the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and the National Hockey League for supporting Derek’s continued efforts in his battle.

“Derek will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by his fans, friends, and teammates, and especially by us — his family. We respectfully ask for continued privacy as we grieve the loss of Derek.”

Thrashers To Winnipeg?

While events for tickets and other Atlanta Thrashers festivities continue an overwhelming amount of buzz has been over taking the hockey world. If this was one random reporter from Atlanta I wouldn’t cover it, but I have been hearing it from several sources now. The most convincing of the all being NHL.com which is reporting that a deal is already done, and is just waiting to become official. However, Commissioner Garry Bettman has been telling the media and fans that no such deal is in place, and nothing is official. I am not sure who to believe at this point as it seems we are being sent mixed messages, but as of right now I am wiling to bet the Thrashers will be taking their home ice in Winnipeg season. Stay tuned to SBW for updates as the story unfolds.

Patricie Bergeron Doing Fine After Game 3 Return

It was a great moment for the Boston Bruins and their fans to have Patrice Bergeron back on the ice for game 3 against the lightning last night, but many do not realize that the real test comes the first day after they come back. The good news for Boston is that Bergeron is symptom free following his return, and will continue to take the ice for the playoffs.

Bergeron took part in the teams optional morning skate today, and took the time to tell the press he was doing fine. Bergeron admitted it took him a few shifts to get back into the groove of things during the game, but he seems fine and is doing great. He said “To be honest, I wasn’t worried about that. I knew I was back and ready. It’s good to see. I knew I was ready from the get-go and mentally I was ready as well.”

Everyday for the past few weeks coach Claude Julien was asked about the status of Bergeron, and so he had a little fun at the expense of Bergeron and the media. He announced “He’s a question mark for Game 4. If you see him in the warmup that means he’s playing. He’s fine.”