New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard found dead in his apartment – NHL news
New York Rangers 28-year-old forward player Derek Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment on Friday, May 13, 2011 by his family who went to visit him after not being able to establish any contact despite numerous attempts.
Boogaard was regarded as one of the National Hockey League’s most fan favourite players and a terrorising fighter in the ice rink. The 6 ft, 7 inch player’s death has devastated the whole League and everyone who knew him. While the shock is still fresh,
details about his death still are still unavailable.
He remained absent for most part of the 2010-11 season due to a shoulder injury and concussion related problems but remained an intimidating force for as long as he played.
“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,” said Rangers General
Manager Glen Sather making an official announcement about his death. He added that it was very shocking and unusual for such a monumental player to die at such a young age.
The Rangers right wing was born on June 23, 1982 in Saskatoon, Canada. He began his professional NHL career after being drafted in the seventh round (202nd overall) during the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He was drafted by Minnesota Wild and played with
them for over five seasons until being finally traded to New York Rangers in 2010.
His first year with the Wild was statistically his best. He recorded 65 points in that year alone and accumulated 277 points in his career. Boogaard made the NHL playoff during the 2007 and 2008 seasons with Minnesota Wild but were eliminated in the first
round once against Anaheim Ducks and secondly by Colorado Avalanche.
Derek Boogaard’s death came as a shock to everyone but especially to Vancouver Canucks as most of the line-up was very close to him. Canucks defenseman Daniel Hamhuis was particularly in shock as both he and Boogaard were on the same team when playing for
Prince George Cougars in the Western Hockey League during 1999-2002.
“It was kind of shocking,” Hamhuis said Saturday after learning about his death on Friday. “I played with him in junior, and it's certainly very sad. He was a really good guy, certainly very quiet. He played a difficult role being a fighter, and he and I
were pretty good friends in junior. It's sad to see that happen.”
For now, authorities have announced that it might take weeks before Boogaard’s death can be properly explained but for the people who knew him and loved him, nothing will be able to compensate for their loss.
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