Former NHL Player Derek Boogaard’s brain being studied by university researchers –NHL News Update
The National Hockey League (NHL) went into shock after learning about now former NHL left winger, Derek Boogaard, being found dead in his apartment in Minneapolis on Friday, May 13, 2011.
It was something new for the league, especially when the cause of death could not be determined and had to be linked up to many different reasons as to which could have been the reason for the incident to have taken place.
The New York Rangers enforcer was a colourful personality and was loved by many, especially the franchise itself had a special place for the veteran.
"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual", New York Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a team release issued Friday night. "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".
It was later on learnt that his death was caused due to an unintended combination of alcohol and painkillers which turned fatal when digested by the player.
In more recent developments, the family of the former 202nd overall draft pick during round-seven of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Minnesota Wild, has donated the players brain to Boston University, where researchers are studying it and will try
and determine if he had been suffering from a degenerative brain condition.
The study is not only to determine had been suffering from any brain conditions but will also try and assist the NHL on seeing whether or not hits to the head during game play have a significant impact overtime on player health or not.
In the beginning, such problems were not seen as a direct result of such physicality but due to recent outbreaks of concussion related issues, the league has become more and more pressurised into observing the situation with high priority.
The study does not have a set date or time limit and is being taken with ease and delicacy. It will be a major breakthrough for the league in determining how to keep concussion problems low.
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