Rest In Peace Boogeyman

On May 13th, 2011 Derek Boogaard was found dead in his apartment by family members. As of now, nothing has been revealed as to what happened to him. There of course have been rumors, but they are not worth mentioning.

Most people know Boogaard as an enforcer and a tough guy, which he certainly was.  He was one of the toughest guys in the league, even Biz Nasty was afraid to fight him!

“It’s cliché,” Bissonnette said at the time. “But if he swings through and connects with your face, you’re (expletive) done.” His main job with the Rangers was to clear the net around Lundqvist, and to protect his teammates. We only get to see that side of him, but teammates know him differently.

Former Minnesota Wild teammate Wes Walz recently commented how he was a great teammate and an all around nice guy.

“He was just a sweetheart,” Walz said. “Just a great, great dude.”

The main reason I wanted to post this article is this: its just a game. I’ll admit taking shots at Boogaard and saying that he is just a fighter and  he doesn’t know how to play. But when an event such as this happens, it makes you realize that they are just normal people like you and me off the ice. They have families and friends. Boogaard was absolutely way to young to pass away.

It puts life into perspective and for me, it taught me to cherish every day of life. So please, don’t take life for granted because it can be gone in an instant.

Keep Derek Boogaard’s family and friends in your prayers and thoughts.