Derek Boogaard | |||
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Boogaard in 2009
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Born |
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
June 23, 1982||
Died | May 13, 2011 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
(aged 28)||
Height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) | ||
Weight | 265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb) | ||
Position | Left Wing | ||
Shot | Left | ||
Played for |
Minnesota Wild New York Rangers |
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NHL Draft | 202nd overall, 2001 Minnesota Wild |
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Playing career | 2005–2011 |
Derek Leendert Boogaard (/ˈboʊɡɑːrd/ BOH-gard; later /ˈbuːɡɑːrd/ BOO-gard; June 23, 1982 – May 13, 2011) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played for the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
A native of Saskatchewan, where he grew up in several different communities as the son of a Mountie, he was known primarily as a fighter and enforcer throughout his career, from junior hockey to the pros. His fighting prowess earned him the nicknames of "Boogeyman" and "The Mountie", and made him a favourite with fans. In 2007 he was voted as the second most intimidating player in the NHL, behind Georges Laraque, who attributed his retirement in part to a desire to avoid the serious injury Boogaard could inflict, such as the cheekbone fracture Todd Fedoruk suffered that had to be repaired with metal plates.