Tweet
New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard was found dead in his apartment on Friday.
Minneapolis Star Trbune's Michael Russo first reported the news of Boogard's passing on Twitter Friday evening, saying the 28-year-old was found dead in his apartment by his family.
"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a release. "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."
Boogaard began his NHL career with Minnesota and appeared in 255 career games with the Wild from 2005-06 and 2009-10. He joined the Rangers on July 1, 2010, appearing in 22 games in the 2010-11 season.
Throughout his career, Boogaard sought to make a difference in the communities he played in, taking part in numerous charitable endeavors. Boogaard was a supporter of the Defending the Blue Line Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation whose mission is to ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the great sport of hockey. While with the Rangers, he created "Boogaard's Booguardians," hosting military members and their families at all New York Ranger home games.
In addition, he made multiple appearances with partner organizations of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the non-profit charity that works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden, including the New York Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and Fuse "to make dreams come true for kids facing obstacles."
The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native was originally Minnesota's seventh round choice, 202nd overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Comment