Derek Boogaard Had Severe Brain Injury CTE At Time Of Death

Derek Boogaard's Parents Reportedly Sue NHLPA For $9.8 Million

The parents of the late NHL player Derek Boogaard are suing the NHLPA for $9.8 million, according to a report by TMZ. Boogaard passed away May 13, 2011 at the age of 28 due to a fatal mixture of oxycodone and alcohol.

According to the report, Boogaard's parents believe the NHL is responsible for their son's addiction. The NHLPA allegedly agreed to help Boogaard's parents collect the remaining $4.8 million on Boogaard's contract with the New York Rangers.

The deadline for the grievance against the Rangers has now passed, leading to the lawsuit. The Boogaard family is suing for the $4.8 million due from Boogaard's contract, and an additional $5 million in punitive damages.

Boogaard played five seasons as an enforcer for the Minnesota Wild and one season with the Rangers before his death.

For more on Boogaard's passing, please stay with this StoryStream. For more on the Minnesota Wilde, head over to Hockey Wilderness. For more on the New York Rangers, visit Blueshirt Banter.

Enforcer Role, Not Fighting Itself, The Real Problem In Hockey

Fighting doesn't need to be eliminated from hockey, but the Gladiator show put on by the league's hired fists? Based on the evidence we have, there's no reason for that to continue any further.

Derek Boogaard's Story Should At Least Make You Think

The sad story of Derek Boogaard's passing might not make the NHL ban fighting, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be in for a change.

Derek Boogaard's Brother Aaron Arrested On Drug Suspicion

Aaron Boogaard, the brother of late NHL forward Derek Boogaard, has been arrested by Minnesota police on suspicion of prescription fraud and possession of prescription pills, and there's a chance the arrest could be linked to the May 13 death of the former Wild and Rangers enforcer.

Boogaard passed away due to a fatal, accidental mix of Oxycodone and alcohol, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. According a report in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Aaron Boogaard's July 20 arrest is linked to an alleged crime that took place on May 13, the day Boogaard's body was discovered in his apartment. That would lead one to believe that the two things are connected, at least in some form.

The police record listing Aaron Boogaard's arrest says that the date and time of his alleged crime is May 13, the same day that family members found Derek Boogaard, 28, dead in his Warehouse District apartment. The incident was listed as "dead on arrival."

No comment from Minneapolis police was immediately available. The Hennepin County Attorney's office has until noon Friday to charge him with a crime.    

Boogaard's lawyer released a statement via the Star-Tribune that reads in part: "This a very unfortunate circumstance and we believe Aaron is involved because he may have potential information about a larger investigation. One thing is certain, the charges brought against Aaron have nothing to do with his brother, Derek Boogaard's death."

For more on the sad developments in this story, check in with our Wild blog, Hockey Wilderness.

Derek Boogaard Death Ruled Accidental; Result Of Alcohol, Oxycodone Toxicity

The death of Derek Boogaard has been ruled as an accident by the Hennepin County, Minn. medical examiner, the result of a fatal mixture of oxycodone and alcohol. The news comes via various reports from Newsday and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. 

Boogaard, 28, was found dead in his apartment by family members one week ago. The New York Rangers forward, known for his toughness off the ice and his generosity and loving attitude off it, had suffered a concussion this past season and hadn't played hockey in months, despite being cleared to play late in the season.

There were reports that he was involved with the NHLPA's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program, but there's no indication whether or not the now-known circumstances of his death are related to that at all, and jumping to that conclusion would be premature without more details.

In reality, people mix oxycodone and other pain killers with alcohol all the time. It's dangerous, and it's the reason hockey lost a great guy last week. A tragedy. His funeral will be held on Saturday in Regina, Sask.

Derek Boogaard Memorial Held In Minnesota, Organized By Wild Fans

Hundreds of Minnesota Wild fans showed up at Xcel Energy Center on Sunday night to remember the life of Derek Boogaard, the former Wild forward who tragically passed away on Friday.

He was beloved by Wild fans during the five years he played there as a tough fan favorite -- t he underdog who couldn't really score goals, but would play his role as an enforcer to the best of his ability each and every night. He was, pound-for-pound, one of the toughest players in the NHL -- if not the toughest.

But just to understand how beloved Boogaard really was in Minnesota, you'd have to look no further than the memorial ceremony on Sunday. It wasn't set up by the Wild or the family or the building or even his old teammates. Two fans, not even of legal drinking age, set it up using Facebook. An impromptu memorial. 

The story via Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

This was all the brainchild of 19-year-old Katie Haag of St. Francis and 18-year-old Shelby Leske of Hutchinson.

This started with a simple Facebook "event" the night Boogaard died. They didn't have permission. They didn't ask if the building was available. They just knew in their heart what they had to do, and they did it.

It grew and grew. I was even a little squeamish about whether or not I was supposed to promote it. After all, the Wild wasn't putting it on and the family didn't know about it and they were mourning.

But this morning, Ryan Boogaard texted me that the family was going, and I instantly got it up on our site.

If that's not the definition of a love affair between a player and a fan base, I don't know what is. For more on the memorial and the life of Derek Boogaard, head over to Hockey Wilderness. Bryan Reynolds of HW shared some photos of the memorial.

Derek Boogaard Dies, And Hockey Loses A Good Friend

Derek Boogaard fought his way to an NHL career, and just as is the case with most enforcers in the game, he had a genuine love for the sport.

Derek Boogaard's Autopsy To Be Performed Saturday

A day after the tragic passing of Derek Boogaard, his cause of death is still unknown. Hennepin County spokesperson Carol Allis has announced that an autopsy of the 28-year-old is being performed Saturday.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy Saturday. County spokeswoman Carol Allis says authorities probably won't release results for at least two weeks.

She says in cases where there's no obvious sign of physical trauma, authorities need time to get results of laboratory tests.

Boogaard's family, friends, and fans are doubtless desparate for answers. We hope they can be provided with answers as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has released a statement on Boogaard's death.

“The news that we have lost someone so young and so strong leaves everyone in the National Hockey League stunned and saddened,” league commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement Saturday.

“The NHL family sends its deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Derek Boogaard, to those who played and worked with him and to everyone who enjoyed watching him compete.”

Derek Boogaard Remembered Fondly, Personally By Minnesota Wild Fans

The passing of Derek Boogaard has taken a deep toll on the fans who knew the player best, those of the Minnesota Wild. Boogaard played the first five years of his career in Minnesota, and in that time between 2005 and 2010, he became perhaps the most beloved player in the history of the franchise.

At our Wild blog, Hockey Wilderness, fans have dropped by to share the fond memories they have of Boogey, and a lot of them are extremely personal, a brief glimpse at how much of a connection the man made outside of the hockey arena. A sampling:

My favorite Boogaard memory was meeting him with my brother. Tyler was on his two-week leave from Iraq the same time that Boogey came to our town. We waited in line for four hours to be the first to meet him, and he was SUCH a sweetheart. Just a wonderful guy. Boogaard was someone that brought my brother and i closer to each other, and because of that he meant more to me than i think most people can understand. Totally heartbroken over this.

Derek came in on numerous occasions to our establishment and was very nice! I remember serving him once and at first, not knowing who he was, treated him like anyone else. He was super nice and didn't have any complaints. Then I found out who he was at my table and I immediately felt star-struck. He was an amazing athlete and he will forever be missed.

The staff from Jake's City Grille will miss your visits! R.I.P. Boogyman (lucky) #24

I spent some quality time with the boogey man cycling in the summers here in Mn. He was truely a gentle giant. His smile was contagious, and I witnessed his desire to be the best he could be on a regular basis. He would crush himself to win an uphill sprint knowing full well that he would sooner score a goal than win a sprint. He loved his brother and he loved life ! I miss him more than I can explain. God bless BOOOOOOGY.

You can read more at Hockey Wilderness, or you can, of course, share your own memories of Derek Boogaard. Also, you can find more at our Rangers blog, Blueshirt Banter.

Derek Boogaard Remembered For His Charitable Work, Kind Heart Following His Death

Derek Boogaard played the tough guy role on the ice, but his role wasn't what defined him. As an enforcer, Boogaard was charged with doing the dirty work, laying massive hits and standing up for teammates with his fists. But following his untimely passing -- Boogaard was found dead in his apartment on Friday at age 28 -- fans are remembering his softer side, which stands in stark contrast to the image he portrayed on the ice.

It was in Minnesota where fans embraced Boogaard, both for the role he took-on with the Wild and the work he did off the ice. The enforcer role ended as the final horn sounded and Boogaard had a soft heart for the troops and children. His charitable work was well-known in Minnesota, and Boogaard made it a point to work directly with military-centered organizations in each city he played in.

Boogaard took an active role in community endeavors with the two teams he played for in his career, particularly with regard to the military. He supported the Defending the Blue Line Foundation, which is a non-profit charitable foundation that aims to help children of military members play hockey. He created "Boogaard's Booguardians" with the Rangers, hosting military members and their families at Madison Square Garden for all Rangers home games. He also worked with the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

Boogaard was a Defending the Blue Line All-Star MVP, an honor bestowed upon the highest-level donors. While in Minnesota, he gave his time and money to the charity in an effort to bring the game of hockey to the children of those serving in the military.

The NHL didn't just lose an enforcer: It lost an ambassador and fan favorite. Boogaard's passing at such a young age is unfair and has many fans, in Minnesota, New York and throughout the NHL, wondering why.

A cause of death has yet to be determined and an autopsy is pending. The New York Rangers confirmed his passing, but few details are known.

For more on Boogaard's passing, please stay with this StoryStream. Head over to Hockey Wilderness and Blueshirt Banter for the latest on the situation and to share thoughts and memories.

Derek Boogaard Death Confirmed In Statement From New York Rangers

The New York Rangers have confirmed the passing of winger Derek Boogaard with a statement on Friday evening. Boogaard was reportedly found dead in his apartment of unknown causes on Friday at age 28.

A portion of the Rangers' statement, with words from General Manager Glen Sather, can be found below. The full statement can be found at the SNY Rangers Blog.

The New York Rangers are very saddened to announce the passing of Derek Boogaard.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," said New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather.  "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."

Hockey Wilderness, our Minnesota Wild blog, has setup a memorial thread for fans to share thoughts and memories of the man affectionately known as Boogey. While he was an enforcer on the ice, he was a fan-favorite off it and made an impression both in Minnesota and New York.

Derek Boogaard was one of the most well-loved players in the brief history of the Minnesota Wild. The impact he had on this community reached far outside the boards of the Xcel Energy Center ice. Sure, he was a tough guy on the ice, but Boogaard's 24 jersey was one of the best selling in the NHL, covering the backs of hockey fans young and old.

And, again, condolences go out to Boogaard's family and friends during this horrible situation.

For more on Boogaard's passing, please stay with this StoryStream. Head over to Hockey Wilderness and Blueshirt Banter for the latest on the situation and to share thoughts and memories.

Derek Boogaard Found Dead In His Apartment At Age 28

Derek Boogaard, a winger who last played with the New York Rangers, was found dead in his apartment on Friday, according to a report from Michael Russo. Boogaard, who began his career with the Minnesota Wild ahead of 2005-2006 season, had signed with the New York Rangers prior to this past season, inking a deal worth $5.5 million over four years.

Details are sparse, but Russo, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, broke the news on Twitter late Friday evening.

Awful news: Derek Boogaard was found dead today in his Minneapolis apartment by members of his family. He was 28.

Russo went on to add the following, which gives context and makes this whole situation even tougher to swallow.

I got several texts from Derek in the past few days. He told me yesterday he had just met with a PR firm in LA to join Twitter. He was also ecstatic that both his brothers, Aaron and Ryan, were going to be in Minneapolis staying with him this week

There are really no words to express how shocking and sad Boogaard's death is. Condolences to his family and friends in what must be an incredibly difficult time.

For more on Boogaard's passing, please visit Hockey Wilderness, our Minnesota Wild blog, and Blueshirt Banter, our New York Rangers blog.