Players Association faces lawsuit as Derek Boogaard's parents claim compensation -NHL Update
Derek Boogaard was one of the toughest players that the National Hockey League (NHL) had ever seen and news of his death earlier last year was certainly a shocker for many after the New York Rangers enforcer took his own life in the apartment.
It was not clearly known whether Boogaard actually did commit suicide since it was found that his death was caused due to a fatal mixture of drugs and alcohol, but many do term it to be his own decision after noticing strange behaviour from the players during
his final days.
Now, after more than a year since his death, Boogaard’s parents are claiming damages and compensation, which they believe the Players’ Association, owes them due to the labour union failing to take proper states and get the remaining portion of his contract
with the Rangers.
The total remaining compensation that Boogaard had on his contract totals up to $4.8 million, and not only that, his parents are also claiming $5 million in punitive damages. The total amount which Len and Joanne Boogard are claiming comes up to be $9.8
million.
Boogard’s parents had earlier termed the New York Rangers to be responsible for the habits developed by the player since the need for such high level of physicality from his side, forced the enforcer to max his body out and resort to drugs and alcohol each
night to soothe the pain.
Boogaard was drafted by the Minnesota Wild franchise back in 2001’s entry draft as the 202nd overall during the seventh round. The native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, had five straight seasons with the Minnesota Wild and one single year
with the New York Rangers.
At the end of his tenure, Boogaard had 277 games played under his belt with a total of 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) registered with 589 minutes in the penalty box being the reason he stood out when compared to other left wingers of his calibre.
Standing at 6-feet-7 inches, Derek Boogaard definitely had a presence on the ice and it was without a doubt, one of the most intimidating that the league has ever seen.
Tags: