dude...i never knew derek boogaard... but i do know that 28 is way to young to die...
ive lost too many friends even younger than him, and although the death of a friend, lover, family member, hero, or brother in the amazing world that is ice hockey always hurts; the death hurts more and stays with me longer when the dead guy is just a kid...
derek - the boogyman - boogaard was a kid.. maybe not on the ice where he was every bit the man ive always aspired to be.. off the ice, i read that he was a big kid at heart.. genuine, kind, funny, generous with his time and treasure, a big-ol-teddy bear of a guy as it were.. standing 6' 7", 265, big just doesnt really describe his stature as a hockey player and human being..
regaardless.. at my advanced age of forty six, 28 is still a kid to me...
DEREK BOOGAARD LEFT WING - NYR
NUMBER: 94
HEIGHT: 6' 7"
WEIGHT: 265
SHOOTS: LEFT
BIRTHDATE: JUN 23, 1982 (AGE 28)
BIRTHPLACE: SASKATOON, SK, CANADA
DRAFTED: MIN / 2001 NHL ENTRY DRAFT
ROUND: 7TH (202ND OVERALL)
heres a link to russos rants...http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/121826023.html, a really well written tribute to derek by his friend mike russo, sports journalist and blogger for the minneapolis star tribune...
kinder, more inspired (affectionate really), heartfelt words have yet been writ...
rest in peace derek boogaard... my heart and prayers go out to your family, friends, and teammates.. but most especially for your brothers and your mom..
boys. dont. cry..
~ peace be with you.... david
*update...
"the hennepin county medical examiner announced derek boogaard’s cause of death friday may 13, 2011 was an accident, due to a toxic mix of alcohol and the powerful painkiller oxycodone. a statement his family issued through the national hockey league players’ association (nhlpa) indicated the 6-foot-7 boogaard had been struggling with pain and addiction." the full article is here from yahoo! sports..
