Stunned, shocked, surprised, saddened...there aren't enough words to express the feelings when you get the news of a sudden passing. When it's a young athlete it's sometimes even harder to take in. Derek Boogaard, former Minnesota Wild player, was found dead at his Minneapolis residence on Friday, March 13, 2011. He was 28 years old and it is astounding to think, at that young age, he's no longer with us. Details are not really known or are just not being immediately released as I'm writing this. It's been reported by Russo that Derek was found by family members, perhaps his brothers who were visiting with Derek this week. I don't necessarily need the details just yet and maybe it's best to simply remember Derek for what he meant to the Wild and what the Wild meant to him during his tenure with our franchise.
For a player who couldn't stick handle or skate for shit he sold more jersies than Gaborik ever did. For a player who's main purpose on this team was to protect Gaborik (and any of his other teammates) he was adored more than Gaborik ever was. Derek knew he was never going to be the next Crosby or Ovechkin. Derek knew he was lucky to be in the NHL at all, given that Enforcers were being phased out in an attempt to bring more speed and skill to the game. Derek knew his 4 minutes, or less, of ice time weren't the minutes of an NHL legend in the making. Here is what Derek will be remembered for - and rightly so:
This just happens to be my favorite Boogie Moment but there are a ton of them to be found on YouTube and at hockeyfights.com and at wildenforcers.com.
Derek also understood being blessed in life and he gave generously of his time and money to help numerous charities both here in Minnesota and in New York as well as in his hometown: Defending The Blueline, Garden Of Dreams Foundation.
He had a great sense of humor which can be seen in his commercials:
Or this little ditty from FSN back in 2006 with a very young Brent Burns doing the interview.
Derek was a great big teddy bear of a guy who, for his enormous size and stature on skates, looked remarkably unassuming (for a 6' 7" giant of a man) in street clothes and wire rimmed glasses. He was after all, just a regular guy who got to recognize his childhood dream of playing hockey in the NHL.
I've posted some pictures of Derek on the Through The Lens tab at the top of this page. I hope they make you smile and remember the Boogie Man fondly.
I met him once...he was a gentle giant - damn he looked good in his jeans and t shirt. He was wearing his glasses and looked like an ordinary man, except he stood at 6'7" - kind of difficult to blend in a crowd.
ReplyDeleteHe was and always will be one of favorite players! And, will always be remembered for his kind spirit off the ice!
RIP Boogie Man - I will miss you!