Boogaard Arrested In Brother's Death

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

Prosecutors have charged the brother of former NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard with providing the prescription drug that contributed to his brother's overdose death in May.

Aaron Boogaard gave his brother an Oxycodone pill the day of his death. Authorities said earlier that Derek Boogaard died of a mix of alcohol and Oxycodone. He is charged with unlawful sale of a controlled substance, and interfering with the scene of a death for allegedly trying to mislead or conceal evidence.

Here's the latest from MyFoxTwinCities

Charges: Brother Gave Derek Boogaard One Pill, Flushed Others: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Aaron Boogaard told police he had been holding Oxycontin and Percocet pills for his brother. He said he gave his brother a single Oxycodone pill before they went clubbing May 12th.

Aaron said his brother had just been released from chemical dependency treatment the day before and that he said he gave his older brother the pill even though he didn't think he was in pain.

"The Defendant said that it appeared (his brother) was celebrating and intended to go on a 'binger,' " the complaint said.

Sad... just flat sad...
More when we know more...

2011 NHL Entry Draft Day One: Go Jets Go!

((HT: NHL on TSN/NHL/JHendrix70))

First, here's what unbridled enthusiasm sounds like...

This is how the official announcement came in from the True North folks on their new nickname...


Not that there isn't any coolness with bringing back the Jets or anything like that...

And, then, we go to pick 15 and the New York Rangers...
An absolutely class move by the Rangers in recognizing the late Derek Boogaard with his brother Aaron on stage...
((HT: Versus/TSN/NHL/youtube))


The draft continues today with Rounds Two through the end...

BREAKING: Boogaard Dies From Accidental Overdose

((HT: SportsnetRadio FAN590))

Hennepin County ((MN)) medical examiners have released their preliminary report on the death of New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard.

It has been ruled an accidental overdose from a combination of alcohol and oxycodone toxicity...

Michael Russo from the Minneapolis Star-Tribunereports that Boogaard will be laid to rest in Regina, Saskatchewan tomorrow.

More when we know more...

Boogaard Family Donating Brain For CTE Exam

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

The New York Post reported Saturday that Derek Boogaard had been receiving counseling in the NHL's substance abuse and behavioral health program in the weeks prior to his death, but there is no indication there were any immediate problems.

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Boogaard's family has now signed paperwork to send his brain to researchers at Boston Univiersity, where research is being done at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

"They just felt like this is something that needed to be done," said Michael Russo, hockey reporter for the Star Tribune. "Brain trauma is big in pro sports. ... Derek had a season-ending concussion and multiple in his career."
Here's the update...

Family to Donate Boogaard's Brain to Docs: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Boogaard suffered any syptoms that would lead to CTE.

MO\ore when we know more...

Rangers enforcer Derrick Boogaard found dead in his home

Derek Boogaard/Courtesy: thehockeynews.com

The 28-year old popular hockey player was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment around 6 p.m Friday night. An autopsy is planned as authorities have no idea what led to Boogaard's death.

Though known as a tough guy on the ice, Boogaard was one of the most respected and well liked players in the game. He started his career with the Minnesota Wild before signing a 4-year, $6.5 million contract with the New York Rangers in 2010.

From the Rangers Website: “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.”

More from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune RIGHT HERE

While many wonder about why Hockey needs people with the unofficial job title "Enforcer", it's a part of the game. The violence may be questioned at times, but the role is primarily to protect and make sure nobody takes cheap shots at the "Stars" on a given team. It was a job that many considered Derek Boogaard the best at.

Boogaard was known by many as "The Boogeyman" because of his propensity for scaring his opponents. He only played in 22 games this past season for the Rangers because of a severe concussion, a concussion severe enough that he apparently struggled to deal with the sunlight. The question now is, how much did that affect him?

Here's some video of Boogaard doing what the job he was paid for (Courtesy: Hockeyfights.com):

Boogey Man Gets Five For Elbow

The NHL has come down hard on Minnesota Wild tough guy Derek Boogaard as the veteran enforcer was handed a five game suspension Saturday for an elbow to the head of Flames' forward Brandon Prust.

With just under two minutes remaining in the third period, the 26-year old Boogaard blindsided Prust with an elbow to the side of the head. Prust left the game and did not return. At Flames practice Saturday, head coach Mike Keenan suspected that Prust had been concussed on the play.

One of the most feared heavyweights in the league, the 26-year old Boogaard has three assists and 85 penalty minutes in 47 games this season.

Here's the elbow no longer in question...
((HT: Sportsnet))